Heather M Gilmartin1, Mary E Plomondon, Candice Mueller, Brigid Connelly, Catherine Battaglia, Stephen W Waldo, Jacob Doll. 1. Heather M. Gilmartin, PhD, NP Investigator, Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, VHA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora; and Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO. Mary E. Plomondon, PhD, MSPH Investigator, Clinical Assessment, Reporting and Tracking (CART) Program, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC. Candice Mueller, BA Program Director, CART Program, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC. Brigid Connelly, BA Program Manager, Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, VHA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora. Catherine Battaglia, PhD, RN Investigator, Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, VHA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora; and Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Colorado. Stephen W. Waldo, MD Investigator, Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, VHA Eastern Colorado Healthcare System, Aurora; CART Program, Office of Quality and Patient Safety, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC; Department of Medicine, Cardiology Section, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado; and Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado, Aurora. Jacob Doll, MD Investigator, Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value Driven Care, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington; and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered catheterization laboratory (cath lab) practices in diverse ways. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the impact of COVID-19 on Veterans Affairs (VA) procedural volume and cath lab team experience. METHODS: Procedural volume and COVID-19 patient data were obtained from the Clinical, Assessment, Reporting and Tracking Program. A mixed methods survey was emailed to VA cath lab staff asking about the COVID-19 response. Descriptive and manifest content analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Procedural volume decreased from April to September 2020. One hundred four patients with known COVID-19 were treated. Survey response rate was 19% of staff (n = 170/902) from 83% of VA cath labs (n = 67/81). Reassignment to other units, confusion regarding COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment use, and low patient volume were reported. Anxiety, burnout, and leadership's role on team morale were described. CONCLUSIONS: Some teams adapted. Others expressed frustration over the lack of control over their practice. Leaders should routinely assess staff needs during the current and future crises.
BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered catheterization laboratory (cath lab) practices in diverse ways. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand the impact of COVID-19 on Veterans Affairs (VA) procedural volume and cath lab team experience. METHODS: Procedural volume and COVID-19patient data were obtained from the Clinical, Assessment, Reporting and Tracking Program. A mixed methods survey was emailed to VA cath lab staff asking about the COVID-19 response. Descriptive and manifest content analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Procedural volume decreased from April to September 2020. One hundred four patients with known COVID-19 were treated. Survey response rate was 19% of staff (n = 170/902) from 83% of VA cath labs (n = 67/81). Reassignment to other units, confusion regarding COVID-19 testing, personal protective equipment use, and low patient volume were reported. Anxiety, burnout, and leadership's role on team morale were described. CONCLUSIONS: Some teams adapted. Others expressed frustration over the lack of control over their practice. Leaders should routinely assess staff needs during the current and future crises.
Authors: Heather M Gilmartin; Edward Hess; Candice Mueller; Brigid Connelly; Mary E Plomondon; Stephen W Waldo; Catherine Battaglia Journal: Health Serv Res Date: 2022-04 Impact factor: 3.734