Publication Date
6-9-2022
Journal
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
DOI
10.1017/dmp.2022.153
PMID
35678417
PMCID
PMC9343362
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
6-9-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Adult, Humans, Child, Pandemics, COVID-19, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Disasters, Emergency Service, Hospital
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges to pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) departments. The purpose of this study was to identify these challenges and ascertain how centers overcame barriers in creating solutions to continue to provide high-quality care and keep their workforce safe during the early pandemic.
METHODS: This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with physicians in leadership positions who have disaster or emergency management experience. Participants were identified through purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed electronically. Themes and codes were extracted from the transcripts by 2 independent coders. Constant comparison analysis was performed until thematic saturation was achieved. Member-checking was completed to ensure trustworthiness.
RESULTS: Fourteen PEM-trained physicians participated in this study. Communication, leadership and planning, clinical practice, and personal adaptations were the principal themes identified. Recommendations elicited include improving communication strategies; increasing emergency department (ED) representation within hospital-wide incident command; preparing for a surge and accepting adult patients; personal protective equipment supply and usage; developing testing strategies; and adaptations individuals made to their practice to keep themselves and their families safe.
CONCLUSIONS: By sharing COVID-19 experiences and offering solutions to commonly encountered problems, pediatric EDs may be better prepared for future pandemics.
Included in
Clinical Epidemiology Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, COVID-19 Commons, Emergency Medicine Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Pediatrics Commons
