1.The Challenges and Strategies in Managing Intensive Care Unit for COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia
Calvin Ke-Wen Wong ; Chii-Chii Chew ; E-Li Leong ; Lip-Han Chia ; Biing-Horng Lee ; Andrew-Prakash Anthonysammy ; Mageswary Gobalan ; Kah-Shuen Thong ; Siti-Rohayah Sulaiman ; Kit-Weng Foong
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.1):331-336
The number of patients requiring intensive care has surged since the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This had rendered the intensive care unit (ICU) a huge challenge not only to provide care for the existing patients but also to support the COVID-19 patients. The ICU was restructured to ensure strict adherence to the infection control guidelines.
The aspects of change in the ICU had been ranging from the clinical operation, medication equipment and facilities,
medications supply, and staffing. Strategies required upon implementation of change include having contingency
plans, being innovative, getting the collaboration from other ICUs, exchanging information, getting support from the
health policymakers, and ensuring the safety of the healthcare workers. This article aimed to share the experience of
challenges and strategies in managing an ICU for the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.