What Is Preparedness and Capacity of Intensive Care Service in Indonesia to Response to COVID-19? A Mixed-method Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pandemics can increase disease spread, as well as unpredictable and highly in patient demand, which can have a negative impact on hospital capacity and the overall functioning of the health-care system. The preparedness and capacity of intensive care services to respond to COVID-19 in Indonesia are remain unknown. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the preparedness and capacity of intensive care services in Indonesia to respond to the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A mixed-method research design was used in this study using in-depth interviews and an online survey. An in-depth interview was conducted with the medical team (intensive care consultant and an anesthesiologist) who is actively involved in the provision of COVID-19 services in 15 national referral hospitals. The online survey was conducted to all medical teams that provide direct care to the COVID-19 patients. A total of 459 (response rate was 95.2%) agreed to join the survey. The content analysis technique was used to analyze qualitative data and a descriptive analysis was used to describe issues encountered in providing health services to COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: The analysis preparedness and capacity of intensive care service in Indonesia to respond to the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in 4 themes with 12 sub-themes. The four themes were limited quality and quantity of standardized intensive care unit (ICU) isolation room (inadequate zoning systems, adequacy of the standardized ICU isolation room, the readiness of the hospital infrastructure, and telemedicine facilities are not yet widely used, including in the COVID-19 isolation room), limited medical service support (lack of personal protective equipment (personal protective equipment [PPE], re-used PPE, lack of availability of medical devices), limitations in the medical team’s quality and quantity management (lack of number and distribution of expert doctors and medical team screening for ICU), and command systems (task shifting, effective communication, and leadership). CONCLUSION: Medical team encounters several difficulties, particularly related to the quality of facilities, staff preparedness, and systems for the provision of services to COVID-19 patients with critical conditions. There is a critical need for well-defined pathways, legal protection, and occupational health for medical teams providing services in the aftermath of a pandemic.