The Invisible ICU Patient: Mental Health of PICU Staff in High-Intensity Cultures

This episode of the World PICU Awareness Week 2026 podcast series explores the realities of working in pediatric intensive care across the Middle East, with a focus on the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. Through expert insights and real-life experiences, the discussion highlights the emotional impact of high-intensity PICU environments – moving beyond burnout to address deeper challenges such as moral distress and moral injury. Practical strategies are shared, from simple daily practices that strengthen team connection to structured organizational initiatives that support resilience and retention. The episode also examines the role of leadership in fostering psychologically safe environments, as well as the influence of culture, family dynamics, and faith in shaping care across the region. HOST Raghad Al Abdwani Head of Division of Pediatric Critical Care Sultan Qaboos. University Hospital, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman GUEST Marianne Majdalani Head of Division of Pediatric Critical Care American University of Beirut Medical Center Ashley Cowan Clinical Nurse Facilitator Sidra Hospital Caroline McIntire Manager of Child Life Services Sidra Medicine DATE Initial publication date: May 8, 2026 TRANSCRIPTS English - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript Spanish - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=7 French - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=3 Portuguese - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=6 Italian - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=5 German - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=4 Arabic - https://cdn.bfldr.com/D6LGWP8S/as/qjxhnqx8jt9zvn848svp2955/Middle_East_26_transcript?position=2 Please visit: www.openpediatrics.org OPENPediatrics™ is an interactive digital learning platform for healthcare clinicians sponsored by Boston Children's Hospital and in collaboration with the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies. It is designed to promote the exchange of knowledge between healthcare providers around the world caring for critically ill children in all resource settings. The content includes internationally recognized experts teaching the full range of topics on the care of critically ill children. All content is peer-reviewed and open-access, thus at no expense to the user. For further information on how to enroll, please email: [email protected] Please note: OPENPediatrics does not support or control any related videos in the sidebar; these are placed by YouTube. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.