The impact of Intensive Care Strain on Patients Outcomes during COVID-19 - a UNITE COVID study

PurposeIntensive care unit (ICU) strain is associated with increased mortality. Most strain metrics focus on simple measures such as bed occupancy or admission rates. There is limited data on mitigation strategies, such as procedure teams or staff well-being services on strain, or the impact of increased patient-to-nurse ratios and non-ICU trained nurses working in ICU. MethodsUsing the multi-national UNITE-COVID study, collecting data from ICUs on their busiest day in two periods (2020 and 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated metrics of strain (Bed occupancy, patient: nurse ratio, use of non-ICU staff and shortages of consumables) and potential mitigators (procedural support teams and staff well-being interventions). We examined how these related to outcomes (mortality, complications and length of stay). ResultsIn both epochs, ICUs experienced significant strain, with ICU bed expansion to 133% and 163% respectively, whilst patient-to-nurse ratios increased by 0.4 and 0.3. Consumable shortages were widespread in 2020. Mortality was inversely correlated with staff well-being interventions in both epochs. Complications were inversely correlated with procedure support teams, and positively correlated with staffing ratios. In regression models, pressure sores were reduced in presence of support teams (p=0.004) and increased with the increase in patients per nurse (p=0.05) whilst unplanned extubations were related to non-ICU trained staff working in ICU(p = 0.02). ConclusionsCOVID-19 induced ICU strain had effects beyond mortality, including increases in complications. Staff pressure and lack of ICU training were related to specific complications, whilst support teams and well-being interventions were associated with improved outcomes. Take home messageWe examined the effects of various aspects of ICU strain on patient outcomes during the periods of maximal unit occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified adverse relationships between preventable complications and increases in patient:nursing ratios and use of non-ICU trained staff, whilst procedural support teams and staff well-being interventions were associated with better patient outcomes. summaryCOVID strained ICUs. Increased patient:staff ratios & non-ICU staff increased complications, staff well-being initiatives improved outcomes.