OP017 [Medical Workforce & Education » Staff well being /health (Stress, burnout, moral distress, spirituality)]: “THESE RULES ARE SO CRUEL”: BEDSIDE PICU HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS’ IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19-RELATED RESTRICTED FAMILY PRESENCE: A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FREE TEXT

Abstract

RESULTS:We interviewed 9 managers and 15 physician leads from 13 Canadian PICUs. We identified 6 main themes.(1) Operationalizing the policies required enhancement and adaptation of usual leadership roles while (2) working in the middle of organizational hierarchy. (3) The RFP policies made explicit the need to balance stakeholder safety with compassion in caring for the sickest children. (4) Most PICU leaders perceived unintended effects of the RFP policies as having a negative impact on families, healthcare providers, and family centered care. (5) Implementing, communicating, and enforcing restrictions took personal tolls on many of the leaders. ( 6) Leaders recognized multiple opportunities for policy improvements.CONCLUSIONS: RFP policies had significant professional and personal impacts on PICU leaders, who identified both unintended consequences of and future opportunities for restricted presence policies.