Abstract
Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the perceptions and the opinions of our anesthesia and critical care staff at King Abdulaziz University Hospital regarding the preparation strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, an electronic questionnaire was constructed using Google forms and sent to staff. The questionnaire included questions on the demographic information of the participants and the department's strategic plans, preparedness and protective measures taken to protect staff during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Results: A response rate of 71% was achieved. The results revealed that 75% of the participants felt that they were trained well enough to handle a positive or suspected COVID-19 patient. Stress levels increased during the initial COVID-19 outbreak then decreased after the department began providing COVID-19 educational activities (such as PPE courses and virtual Monday grand rounds) (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between stress levels before and after the introduction of continuous medical education courses (SP = 0.68, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In crisis management plans, psychological pressure management includes the effective use of continuous medical education, periodic group meetings, and mental health wellbeing clinics. For confidence development among healthcare workers, clinical simulation drills can be a key management strategy.