Boulton, Adam JJordan, HelenAdams, Claire EPolgarova, PetraMorris, Andrew ConwayArora, Nitin2023-09-122023-09-1206/04/2021Boulton AJ, Jordan H, Adams CE, Polgarova P; TRIC Network (Corporate Author), WMTRAIN (Corporate Author); Morris AC, Arora N. Intensive care unit visiting and family communication during the COVID-19 pandemic: A UK survey. J Intensive Care Soc. 2022 Aug;23(3):293-296. doi: 10.1177/17511437211007779. Epub 2021 Apr 61751-143710.1177/1751143721100777936033248http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14200/2148ackground: Frequent visiting and communication with patients' families are embedded within normal ICU practice, however the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged this, and it is unclear how ICUs are managing. We aimed to investigate how NHS ICUs are approaching family communications and visiting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An electronic snapshot survey was delivered between 16th April and 4th May 2020 and was open to NHS ICUs. Replies from 134 individual ICUs with COVID patients were included. Results: All reported that visiting was more restricted than normal with 29 (22%) not allowing any visitors, 71 (53%) allowing visitors at the end of a patient's life (EOL) only, and 30 (22%) allowing visitors for vulnerable patients or EOL. Nearly all (n = 130, 97%) were updating families daily, with most initiating the update (n = 120, 92%). Daily telephone calls were routinely made by the medical (n = 75, 55%) or nursing team (n = 50, 37%). Video calling was used by 63 (47%), and 39 (29%) ICUs had developed a dedicated family communication team. Resuscitation and EOL discussions were most frequently via telephone (n = 129, 96%), with 24 (18%) having used video calling, and 15 (11%) reporting discussions had occurred in person. Clinicians expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation and raised concerns about the detrimental effect on patients, families, and staff. Conclusions: COVID-19 has resulted in significant changes across NHS ICUs in how they interact with families. Many units are adapting and moving toward distant and technology-assisted communication. Despite innovative solutions, challenges remain and there may be a role for local and national guidance.en© The Intensive Care Society 2021.SurgeryNeurologyDiseases & disorders of systemic, metabolic or environmental originArticle