Care in the time of pandemic: Reflections of a son who is a neurosurgeon, on the care his mother received

Abstract

After having served in the medical profession for over two decades as a neurosurgeon, I got the chance to play a dual role of a COVID warrior and COVID caregiver when my mother in her 80s contracted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 infections. Acute coronary syndrome, ventilator-associated pneumonia with multidrug-resistant bugs, complicated the course of the disease. Plenty of hard work and dedicated efforts of many doctors in the chain were marred by a handful of disinterested, insensitive health care workers in the treatment chain. Undoubtedly, mortality in ventilated patients is 60-70% or even higher in the elderly patients with comorbidities. However, we as COVID warriors often witness and notice, system failure occurs on various occasions, as happened in my mother's case. We need to introspect to improve the outcome for other patients. The way we wear PPE kits must change. Clear vision is imperative and fogging of the eyepieces must be prevented. Six hourly HCW shift changes results in breaks in the continued care to sick ICU patients. I am sure that my mother has left behind a deep desire in me to be more caring for my patients. I will dedicate part of my neurosurgical practice to produce caring, empathetic, and compassionate doctors.

Keywords: COVID warrior; COVID-19; Elderly; Intensive care; Neurosurgeon; SARS-CoV-2.