ABSTRACT
Aim To optimise preparation for and reduce the stress of managing critically ill patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital using locally designed medical grab bags. Methods Grab bags were designed by Emergency Department staff to contain equipment necessary for resuscitation of unstable patients requiring isolation. Content was iteratively refined to reflect current clinical guidance. 12 months post rollout, staff were surveyed on their experience of the bags using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Agreement was defined as at least 70% of respondents rating an indicator as “agree” or “strongly agree”. Data were analysed using SPSS. Results Eighty-five grab bags were produced with seventy-four used in twelve months. Twenty-six staff members replied to the survey. Sixteen (61.53%) used the bags more than five times, while one respondent (3.84%) had never used the bags. Agreement was reached that grab bags helped staff members feel prepared to, reduced the stress of, and minimised delays in treating unstable patients with suspected COVID-19. Staff agreed that grab bags contained sufficient equipment, however ten members (38.5%) felt that the bags contained excess equipment. Conclusion The introduction of Primary Assessor Grab Bags at CUH ED was observed to optimise staff preparedness for and reduce the stress of treating critically unwell patients in isolation. © 2021, Irish Medical Association. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of elective surgical procedures for profoundly deaf patients awaiting cochlear implantation. METHOD: Open-ended questionnaires were sent to all adult patients awaiting cochlear implantation surgery. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Participants described a primarily negative impact on wellbeing from the surgery delay, expressing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Low mood, depression or hopelessness were commonly expressed by elderly participants; frustration and anxiety were described by young adults. Participants described a negative impact on their general daily life, describing difficulties communicating with facemasks and struggles with reliance on telephone communication because of social distancing. Despite these significant psychosocial challenges, only a minority described adaptive coping strategies. DISCUSSION: Profoundly deaf patients may be at greater psychosocial risk because of unique challenges from their hearing disability. Our findings can be used to develop evidence-driven strategies to improve communication, wellbeing and quality of life.