One hundred questionnaires from repurposed hospitals: with what forces and means did we fight the «second wave» of COVID-19?

Abstract

In November-December 2020, the Federation of Anesthesiologists and Reanimatologists has conducted a survey of intensive care units (ICU) in 100 hospitals re-profiled for the treatment of COVID-19. There were regional (n=44), city (n=31), district (n=13), inter-district (n=8) and federal (n=4) hospitals from 27 constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Capacity of 59 hospitals was less than 300 beds, 23 hospitals — over 500 beds, 18 hospitals — 300—500 beds. The number of ICU beds exceeded 10% of repurposed beds in 35 hospitals, 5—10% of ICU beds — in 51 hospitals, less than 5% — in 14 hospitals. There were 6—12 patients per one physician in 68 ICUs, less than 6 patients — in 12 ICUs, over 12 patients — in 20 ICUs. Also, there were 3-6 patients per a nurse in 69 ICUs, less than 3 patients — in 2 ICUs, over 6 patients — in 29 ICUs. Over 70% of the repurposed beds were provided with a networked oxygen supply in 61 hospitals, 50—70% — in 25 hospitals, less than 50% — in 14 hospitals. Oxygen flow rate over 10 l/min was provided in 70 hospitals, 5—10 l/min — in 28 hospitals, less than 5 l/min — in 2 hospitals. Over 80% of ICU beds are equipped with ventilators in 78 hospitals, 50—80% — in 15 hospitals, less than 50% — in 7 hospitals. Less than 5% of ventilators have been out of order throughout the pandemic in 62 ICUs, 5—10% — in 20 departments, over 10% — in 18 ICUs. High-flow oxygen therapy was not available in 48 ICUs, ultrasound — in 10 ICUs. ECMO was available only in 17 ICUs. If we consider the pandemic as a model of health system response to non-standard global challenges, these data are essential for critical analysis despite small sample size. © 2021, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.