Transforming a PICU Into an Adult ICU During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Meeting Multiple Needs

• Published in: Critical care explorations Vol. 2; no. 9; p. e0201
• Main Authors: Levin, Amanda B., Bernier, Meghan L., Riggs, Becky J., Zero, Stephanie D., Johnson, Emily D., Brant, Katelyn N., Dwyer, Joe G., Potter, Caroline J., Pustavoitau, Aliaksei, Lentz, Thomas A., Warren, Emily H., Milstone, Aaron M., Schwartz, Jamie McElrath
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 15.09.2020
• Subjects: Letter to the Editor
• ISSN: 2639-8028; 2639-8028
• DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000201

We describe the process converting half of our 40-bed PICU into a negative-pressure biocontainment ICU dedicated to adult coronavirus disease 2019 patients within a 1,003-bed academic quaternary hospital. We outline the construction, logistics, supplies, provider education, staffing, and operations. We share lessons learned of working with a predominantly pediatric staff blended with adult expertise staff while maintaining elements of family-centered care typical of pediatric critical care medicine. Critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 adult patients may be cared for in a PICU and care may be augmented by implementing elements of holistic, family-centered PICU practice.