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Challenges Created by the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Disaster Management Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 June 2022

Thomas E. Tanner Open the ORCID record for Thomas E. Tanner [Opens in a new window] ,
Nichole R. Davis ,
Brent D. Kaziny ,
Erin E. Endom  and
Esther M. Sampayo
Thomas E. Tanner*
Affiliation:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Nichole R. Davis
Affiliation:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Brent D. Kaziny
Affiliation:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Erin E. Endom
Affiliation:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
Esther M. Sampayo
Affiliation:
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
*
Corresponding author: Thomas E. Tanner, Email: Thomas.Tanner@bcm.edu.
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Abstract

Objective:

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unique challenges to pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) departments. The purpose of this study was to identify these challenges and ascertain how centers overcame barriers in creating solutions to continue to provide high-quality care and keep their workforce safe during the early pandemic.

Methods:

This is a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with physicians in leadership positions who have disaster or emergency management experience. Participants were identified through purposive sampling. Interviews were recorded and transcribed electronically. Themes and codes were extracted from the transcripts by 2 independent coders. Constant comparison analysis was performed until thematic saturation was achieved. Member-checking was completed to ensure trustworthiness.

Results:

Fourteen PEM-trained physicians participated in this study. Communication, leadership and planning, clinical practice, and personal adaptations were the principal themes identified. Recommendations elicited include improving communication strategies; increasing emergency department (ED) representation within hospital-wide incident command; preparing for a surge and accepting adult patients; personal protective equipment supply and usage; developing testing strategies; and adaptations individuals made to their practice to keep themselves and their families safe.

Conclusions:

By sharing COVID-19 experiences and offering solutions to commonly encountered problems, pediatric EDs may be better prepared for future pandemics.

Keywords

COVID-19disaster managementpediatric emergency medicinequalitative
Type
Original Research
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 17 , 2023 , e227
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.

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