Clinical guide for the management of critical care for adults with COVID-19 during the coronavirus pandemic (Version 2, 8 April 2020)

Summary

This clinical guidance from the NHS provides information on the care of critically ill adult patients with COVID-19 to practising clinicians at the bedside.

The COVID-19 pandemic is placing an extraordinary burden on critical care, which is being met through the creation of surge capacity within and beyond hospital walls. A large number of non-specialist healthcare providers will be supporting critical care specialists to provide care. Staff safety and wellbeing will be crucial in maintaining the resilience of critical care provision.

This guide summarises the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and offers advice on:

• antibiotics and corticosteroids

• treatment of other conditions in the context of COVID-19.

• clinical decision-making when resources may be constrained

• management of respiratory failure

• management of other organ failure.

• continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV)

• early intubation – indications and role.