Ethical and Social Issues for Health Care Providers in the Intensive Care Unit during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan: a Questionnaire Survey

• DOI: 10.1007/s41649-021-00194-y
• Publication Date: 2021-11-15T03:02:36Z
• Authors: Yusuke Seino; Yayoi Aizawa; Atsushi Kogetsu; Kazuto Kato
• Keywords: Pandemic

This questionnaire-based observational study was conducted in July 2020 with the aim of understanding ethical and social issues faced by health care providers (HCPs) registered Japanese Society Intensive Care Medicine intensive units (ICUs) during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. There were 200 questionnaire respondents, we analyzed responses 189 members who had been involved COVID-19 treatment ICUs. The that HCPs recognized pandemic difficulties decision-making process patients' families, limitations life-sustaining treatment, lack palliative care, inadequate mental support for families HCPs. Regarding on clinical ethics pandemic, more than half respondents thought they failed to provide sufficient patients responded experienced moral distress. free-text distress revealed such as unusual restricted visits, challenging situations HCPs, psychological burden. Additionally, 38.1% episodes prejudice or discrimination 4.7% a shortage medical resources. Our result shows caused patient-centered insufficient their families. These mainly communication due stronger implementation infection control measures. We believe it is important address order appropriate prevent burnout among HCPs.The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41649-021-00194-y.