Findings from a qualitative study about ICU physicians’ wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic acutely threatened physicians’ psychological wellbeing, and the strength of the critical care workforce as a whole. Therefore, in this study we sought to elicit frontline Intensive Care Unit (ICU) physicians’ perspectives on stressors and helpful responses during COVID-19 surges. We conducted a qualitative, observational study of ICU physician wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic from September 2020 to January 2021. We used the Framework Method to analyze the qualitative data. We then further organized responses into five categories of needs (basic, safety, respect, appreciation/connection, ability to heal patients and contribute) based on a healthcare worker wellbeing model adapted for ICU physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. We interviewed 24 ICU physicians who worked on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic during at least one surge. Physicians discussed stressors and helpful responses aligning with each of the five domains. Almost all physicians mentioned visitor restrictions as a major challenge during COVID-19 surges. Physicians valued supportive responses from their institutions and community during surges. Interventions aimed at bolstering individual resilience such as meditation or yoga classes were viewed as less useful. The COVID-19 pandemic put immense strain on ICU physicians across many domains of human need. Interventions such as institutional preparedness, creating pathways for communication, and overt demonstrations of support were perceived by physicians to reduce stress. Such institutional-level interventions can promote physician wellbeing during the current COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for future healthcare crises.