The role of intensive care nurses in cellular treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Today, the use of cellular therapies as an effective treatment in the field of health is increasing. In the COVID-19 pandemic or similar situations, cellular therapies may be sometimes life-saving. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that the training of intensive care nurses in special cases, such as cellular therapies, is insufficient.

Aim: The study aimed to determine the duties, responsibilities and training of intensive care nurses on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation to critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study design: This descriptive and retrospective study was conducted on 107 critically ill patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection and followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) between April 2020 and April 2022. Each patient was transplanted MSCs by intravenous infusion three times. Before starting cellular therapy applications, intensive care nurses were selected to work on this treatment modality. Each nurse was given theoretical and practical training by experienced instructors.

Results: Intensive care nurses trained for MSCs transplants took part in the pre-application, preparation, application and post-application period. MSCs were checked by the ICU nurses in the pre-application period. Patients' vital signs, existing catheters, consciousness status and parameters were checked by nurses in the preparation and application period. No side effects and complications were observed in patients during MSCs transplantation and within the first 24 h. Patients' late complications and mortality were recorded by nurses during the post-application periods.

Conclusions: We recommend that nurses working especially in Level 3 ICUs receive training and certification in cellular therapies, especially in hospitals where advanced/cellular treatments are applied.

Relevance to clinical practice: Intensive care nurses are actively involved in every phase of the application of MSCs. Especially before such special practices, which came to the fore with the COVID-19 pandemic, training should be organized for intensive care nurses.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; MSCs transplantation; nursing role in ICU.