Exploring the Impacts of the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Critical Care Physicians and the Delivery of Patient Care in Eight Countries: A Qualitative Interview-Based Study

Purpose: To understand critical care physician experiences across multiple countries with the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future pandemic preparedness planning. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, 16 critical care physicians (from eight countries) identified in convenience and purposive sampling took part in individual semi-structured interviews from April 7, 2020 to August 27, 2020 that captured the first wave of the pandemic. Open coding was conducted by two researchers who facilitated inductive thematic analysis. Results: Key themes identified following thematic analysis included the following: (a) sourcing and implementation of trusted information; (b) health systems–level preparedness with accessible supports; (c) institutional adaptations, including changes to patient care; (d) professional safety and occupational well-being; (e) triage and restricted visitation policies; and (f) managing personal familial responsibilities. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the ways in which critical care physicians cared for their patients and personally coped with challenges. Perspectives of critical care physicians are important for ongoing pandemic planning and should be included in future pandemic policy development.