A Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess the Preparedness of Healthcare Workers of Isolation Intensive Care Units for Anticipated Another Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Center

TL;DR

This study surveyed healthcare workers in isolation ICUs to assess their preparedness for another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contribution

The study provides insights into the anxiety and knowledge gaps among healthcare workers in isolation ICUs.

Findings

Most healthcare workers were anxious and scared about another pandemic wave.

Many had insufficient knowledge about proper donning and doffing procedures.

Higher knowledge levels correlated with higher anxiety scores.

Abstract

Background: Our fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not ended yet. Another wave, possibly due to another variant, can put the healthcare system on its toes again. The outcome of the intensive care unit (ICU) depends on the teamwork of doctors, nursing staff, and care assistants (CAs).

Aim: This survey was conducted to assess the level of preparedness of healthcare workers (HCWs) in isolation ICUs by recording and calculating the score of their responses, using a validated pre-formed questionnaire.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 200 HCWs in isolation ICUs by using a pre-validated questionnaire form as an assessment tool. HCWs in isolation ICUs included doctors, nurses, and CAs who have worked in ICUs dedicated to COVID-19 patients. The response was documented and scores as per the response were assessed by analog scale.

Results: Most of the HCWs were anxious (53%) and 96.5% were either bothered or scared. HCWs with adequate knowledge have higher generalized anxiety disorder scores (χ2 = 15.287, p = 0.015). Despite having adequate/average knowledge, most of the HCWs have insufficient knowledge of the correct steps of donning and doffing.

Conclusion: HCWs were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic but were not prepared for the anticipated second wave.

Figures