Effective communication is key to intensive care nurses’ willingness to provide nursing care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

Publication Name

Intensive and Critical Care Nursing

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed and continues to pose challenges for health care systems globally, particularly to Intensive Care Units (ICU). At the forefront of the ICU are highly trained nurses with a professional obligation to care for patients with COVID-19 despite the potential to become infected. The aim of this study was to explore ICU nurses’ willingness to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study to explore ICU nurses’ willingness to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic was undertaken between 25 March and 3 April 2020 at a large principal and referral teaching hospital in Sydney, NSW Australia. Results: A total of 83 ICU nurses completed the survey. Approximately 60% reported receiving sufficient information from managers regarding COVID-19 and about caring for a patient with COVID-19. Ninety percent of nurses were concerned about spreading COVID-19 to their family. Sixty one percent of the nurses indicated that they were willing to care for patients with COVID-19. Receiving timely communication from managers was the only predictor of willingness to care among ICU nurses. Conclusions: Effective communication is a vital component during a public health emergency in order to promote nurses’ willingness to care for patients in the ICU.

Open Access Status

This publication is not available as open access

Volume

62

Article Number

102946

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Link to publisher version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.iccn.2020.102946