This study explores the actual situation of communication during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the South Asia and Middle East region. The purpose is to assess the effect of the limited visitor policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, on the pattern of interaction of critically ill patients to their kin/ guardian and doctor-family members communication. Primary objective of this study are as follows: 1. Explore the changes in communication pattern with limited contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Assess the methods of informed consent in Intensive care units (ICUs) during the same period
An observational, cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire survey, with multi-centre
involvement across hospitals in the South Asia and middle-east region. The questionnaire
consists of two sections. Section one obtains information from participants regarding
communication and visiting practices in ICU during pre-COVID-19 era, and the Section two
obtains information regarding the policy changes if any during the COVID-19 pandemic in
regards to safety of healthcare workers (HCWs) and public.
In order to obtain the largest representation of South Asia and Middle East ICUs, a network
of research doctors as facilitators from each country is created. The role of the
facilitators is to contact and recruit adult ICUs within their country. Each facilitator
contacts the hospitals (public and private), creating a network of collaborating
doctors/nurses (participants) from those hospitals who expressed their willingness to
participate.
Data collection: a web based Google Forms with online access will be used Only one entry per
ICU will be collected during the study. Statistic analysis: a descriptive analysis is planned
for the general characteristics of the participating units and the study population.
Behavioral: Communication
policies on communication and informed consent in ICU
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Adult ICUs,
2. New created COVID-19 ICUs during the pandemic
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Paediatric ICU
2. Neonatal ICU
NMC Specialty Hospital
Dubai, United Arab Emirates