Reflecting back to move forward: Lessons learned about COVID-19 safety protocols from pediatric anesthesiologists

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the immediate need for enhanced safety protocols in health care centers. These protocols had to evolve as knowledge and understanding of the disease quickly broadened. Aims: Through this study, the researchers aimed to understand the experiences of pediatric anesthesiologists at the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Shriners' Hospital Canada as they navigated the first wave of COVID-19 at their institutions. Methods: Nine participants from the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Shriners' Hospital were interviewed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutics approach. Findings: Participants expressed their wish for simple and easy-to-apply protocols while recognizing the challenge of keeping up with evolving knowledge on the disease and its transmission. They pointed to some limitations and unintended consequences of the safety protocols and the system-wide flaws that the COVID-19 pandemic helped bring to light. They described their frustrations with some aspects of the safety protocols, which they at times felt could be more efficient or better suited for their daily practice. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlighted the importance of listening to and empowering anesthesiology staff working in the field during crises, the implications of shifting from patient-centered care to community-centered care, and the fine line between sharing as much emerging information as possible and overwhelming staff with information.