Surviving to COVID-19 after a stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Stress and coping experiences of patient/family dyads

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a number of quick adaptations to hospital policies. Restrictive regulations may have interfered with interaction and decision-making between Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and their families. By restricting the number of allowed visitors and the hours of visitation, the pandemic has imposed an extra hardship on patients and their families who require lengthy hospitalizations in ICU. This study aims to better understand the unique stress and coping processes experienced by COVID-19 survivors and their families as pairs following an ICU stay. No research has examined the diverse viewpoints of COVID-19 survivors and families as a pair following an ICU admission; pairs provide richer family-centered viewpoints. A mixed-methods study will allow us to uncover various unique patient-family viewpoints in a comprehensive manner. A range of 10-12 patient-family pairs recruited from three Quebec ICUs using interviews and brief questionnaires on stress-related symptoms and fear of COVID-19. These methods are designed to offer insight into the specific challenges and needs of COVID-19 ICU patients and their families, what they require, and how patients and families cope with challenges related to an ICU stay. The study will explore whether needs differ according to factors such as age, sex and gender. Given the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Canadian community, it is critical to gain a thorough understanding of the unique patient-family stress and coping experiences with COVID-19 and ICU hospitalization to identify unmet needs and appropriate interventions, to provide equitable care and to improve recovery outcomes. The findings will inform health managers and policymakers in pandemic management.