The Helicopter Transports of Patients Critically ill with COVID-19

• ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to describe specialist nurses’ experiences with the helicopter transport of patients critically ill with COVID-19.MethodOur study followed a descriptive qualitative design anchored in the naturalistic paradigm and was based on qualitative content analysis. The study followed the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.ResultsSix semi-structured interviews were conducted with specialist nurses who have cared for patients critically ill with COVID-19 during helicopter transport. The analysis of the interviews resulted in three themes—designing new routines before transport, working under new conditions and post-transport and reflections—with 11 categories. The goal of the intensive care transport of patients with COVID-19 was twofold: to prevent the spread of infection by using personal protective equipment and to prevent the contamination of the helicopter.ConclusionFor the nurses, working in personal protective equipment created a feeling of distance from patients that compromised patient–nurse intimacy. Our results suggest that ensuring the sufficiency of equipment required in the event of major accidents and pandemics is critical.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

COVID-19

helicopter transport

intensive care

specialist nurse

Nursing

Omvårdnad

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)