University of Calgary doctor is researching how to improve COVID-19-related ICU visitor restrictions across the country.“Back when COVID(-19) started nearly a year ago I was speaking to colleagues who were working in the intensive care unit,” epidemiologist Dr.
Kirsten Fiest said. “They kept talking about the distress they were feeling about having important clinical conversations over the phone.“I thought, if this is causing the clinicians distress, it’s likely causing the patients and families quite a bit of distress too.” ‘Tired and broken’: ICU nurse reflects on pandemic toll As part of Fiest and her team’s four phased program, they looked at visitation policies at hospitals across Canada.