Personal protective equipment preparedness in Asia-Pacific intensive care units during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A multinational survey

Abstract

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Personal protective equipment preparedness in intensive care units during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: An Asia-Pacific follow-up survey

“…In this paper, we report a follow-up survey of the same ICUs across six Asia-Pacific countries. 4 J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f…”

“…The reason behind this was to avoid the likelihood of multiple intensivists from the same J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f institution responding to the survey by the snowballing method employed for distribution. 4 Participation was voluntary, with no incentives offered.…”

“…4 Wide variations in PPE-preparedness was observed both between and within countries, with several ICUs reporting suboptimal PPE-training, practice and stock-awareness. 4 There were notable variations in several areas: reported use of negative-pressure room; HCW training; PPE stock-awareness; reported use of high flow nasal oxygenation and non-invasive ventilation, reported use of specialised airway teams, showering policies; and "buddy-systems". 4 Since then, these six countries have experienced differing trends in the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases and HCW-infection rates.…”

“…4 There were notable variations in several areas: reported use of negative-pressure room; HCW training; PPE stock-awareness; reported use of high flow nasal oxygenation and non-invasive ventilation, reported use of specialised airway teams, showering policies; and "buddy-systems". 4 Since then, these six countries have experienced differing trends in the epidemiology of COVID-19 cases and HCW-infection rates. At the time of this survey, while India and the Philippines were in the first wave of infections, 5 Australia was experiencing a second wave in some states.…”

2020 the year we wish never was

“…The included articles focus on areas of patient management including nutrition, 1 coagulation, 2 , 3 and communication. 4 Others have focused on the impact on the health workforce including staffing, 5 , 6 personal protection, 7 , 8 psychological wellbeing, 9 , 10 communication, 4 and family visiting 11 Some give a brief insight into the reality of providing critical care during a pandemic, which has seen health systems in some areas of the world incomprehensibly stretched and critical care clinicians tested like never before.…”