[Experience Caring for an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient With COVID-19 in the ICU].

ABSTRACT

This article describes the author's experience providing care in the ICU to a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who had contracted COVID-19. The period of care spanned from June 29 to July 12, 2021. Data were collected during direct care, observations, and interviews and using medical record reviews. During the course of care, supportive care, bundle care, and other infection control measures were provided. The patient was monitored and tracked regularly for infection-related indicators, which successfully mitigated the impact of the infection and prevented secondary bacterial infections. Respiratory care measures such as assistance with Q3H awake prone positioning on the bed were provided. Also, the safety and smoothness of the ventilator pipeline and catheter when prone were confirmed and the setting of the ventilator was adjusted based on the blood oxygen concentration and gas analysis. These measures improved the patient's oxygenation, allowing their successful removal from the ventilator. Delayed chemotherapy affects the survival rate of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia as well as improves their physical and emotional status. Using patient-centered communication skills, empathizing with the patient's negative feelings, encouraging and assisting their participation in self-care, and helping facilitate prescribed hematologist-oncologist care, the author helped increase the patient's perceived self-control and positive attitudes and effectively alleviated their hopelessness regarding their current situation. Several recommendations arise from this care experience. Social media apps may be used to create virtual support groups for patients comprising significant relatives and friends to better support patients in quarantine. Also, a health education brochure addressing the latest COVID-19 disease, treatment, and care information may be given to patients with COVID-19 upon hospital admission to reduce their uncertainties and improve their self-care awareness to maximize their ability to successfully navigate the long quarantine treatment process.