1
|
Singhal R, Dickerson L, Sakran N, Pouwels S, Chiappetta S, Weiner S, Purkayastha S, Madhok B, Mahawar K. Safe Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Curr Obes Rep 2022; 11:203-214. [PMID: 34709586 PMCID: PMC8552630 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-021-00458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had an enormous impact on all aspects of healthcare, but its effect on patients needing surgery and surgeons has been disproportionate. In this review, we aim to understand the impact of the pandemic on surgical patients and teams. We compiled the emerging data on pre-operative screening methods, vaccinations, safe-surgery pathways and surgical techniques and make recommendations for evidence-based safe-surgical pathways. We also present surgical outcomes for emergency, oncological and benign surgery in the context of the pandemic. Finally, we attempt to address the impact of the pandemic on patients, staff and surgical training and provide perspectives for the future. RECENT FINDINGS Surgical teams have developed consensus guidelines and established research priorities and safety precautions for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence supports that surgery in patients with a peri-operative SARS-CoV-2 infection carries substantial risks, but risk mitigation strategies are effective at reducing harm to staff and patients. Surgery has increased risk for patients and staff, but this can be mitigated effectively, especially for elective surgery. Elective surgery can be safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic employing the strategies discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Singhal
- Upper GI Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Luke Dickerson
- Department of General Surgery, Leighton Hospital, Crewe, UK
| | - Nasser Sakran
- Director Bariatric Centre, Department of Surgery, Emek Medical Centre, Afula, Israel
- The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sjaak Pouwels
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Sonja Chiappetta
- Head Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, Ospedale Evangelico Betania, Naples, Italy
| | - Sylvia Weiner
- Department of Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Kamal Mahawar
- Bariatric Unit, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Trust, Sunderland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Randall K, Ewing ET, Marr LC, Jimenez JL, Bourouiba L. How did we get here: what are droplets and aerosols and how far do they go? A historical perspective on the transmission of respiratory infectious diseases. Interface Focus 2021; 11:20210049. [PMID: 34956601 PMCID: PMC8504878 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed major gaps in our understanding of the transmission of viruses through the air. These gaps slowed recognition of airborne transmission of the disease, contributed to muddled public health policies and impeded clear messaging on how best to slow transmission of COVID-19. In particular, current recommendations have been based on four tenets: (i) respiratory disease transmission routes can be viewed mostly in a binary manner of ‘droplets’ versus ‘aerosols’; (ii) this dichotomy depends on droplet size alone; (iii) the cut-off size between these routes of transmission is 5 µm; and (iv) there is a dichotomy in the distance at which transmission by each route is relevant. Yet, a relationship between these assertions is not supported by current scientific knowledge. Here, we revisit the historical foundation of these notions, and how they became entangled from the 1800s to today, with a complex interplay among various fields of science and medicine. This journey into the past highlights potential solutions for better collaboration and integration of scientific results into practice for building a more resilient society with more sound, far-sighted and effective public health policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Randall
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - E T Ewing
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - L C Marr
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - J L Jimenez
- Department of Chemistry and CIRES, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - L Bourouiba
- Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Peng X, Yang Y, Gao P, Ren Y, Hu D, He Q. Negative and positive psychological experience of frontline nurses in combatting COVID-19: A qualitative study. J Nurs Manag 2021; 30:2185-2193. [PMID: 34626025 PMCID: PMC8646834 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To qualitatively explore potential experience among frontline nurses who had been fighting against the COVID-19 infection since the outbreak. BACKGROUND Disasters are often sudden and uncertain. Since the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan city, local frontline nurses had been responsible for treatment of COVID-19 for several months. Qualitative study was required to assess complex multi-component psychological experiences among frontline nurses. METHODS Twenty local frontline nurses were recruited from a designated hospital of COVID-19 treatment. We conducted semi-structured interview using phenomenological method. Descriptive phenomenological method was applied for thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty female frontline nurses (aged 24 to 43 years old) were interviewed. Two broader themes, negative and positive, were identified. Negative experience included refusal and helpless (refusal to work at frontline, shortage of confidence in working and helpless), fear and anxiety, excessive miss, and other health issues. Positive experience included improved interpersonal relationship, sublimation of personal faith and strength, changes in understanding meaning of life and new possibility. CONCLUSION Both positive and negative psychological response were observed, which can provide evidence based clues for making essential strategies and policy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Understand subjective experience of frontline nurses can establish evidence for development of effective psychological intervention. Nursing administrator should consider the nurses' psychological experience comprehensively to promote psychological growth and lower post-traumatic psychological burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Gao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of the Wise Group, Pathways Health, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Deying Hu
- Department of Nursing, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin He
- Public Health Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Romeu-Labayen M, Tort-Nasarre G, Alvarez B, Subias-Miquel M, Vázquez-Segura E, Marre D, Galbany-Estragués P. Spanish nurses' experiences with personal protective equipment and perceptions of risk of contagion from COVID-19: A qualitative rapid appraisal. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:2154-2166. [PMID: 34528310 PMCID: PMC8662180 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJETIVES Explore nurses' experiences and perception of risk regarding the use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. BACKGROUND The contribution of our study is to use qualitative methods to understand nurses' experiences and perceptions of the risk of the contagion linked to the shortage of PPE during the first wave of the pandemic, whose explosive start strained health systems around the globe. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive design according to the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal model. METHODS Semi-structured videoconference interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 29 nurses including staff nurses, nursing supervisors and nursing directors from hospital and community services of the Spanish health system. Interviews lasted 30-45 min and were conducted in May 2020. We carried out a thematic analysis using Dedoose. The COREQ checklist was used to report findings. RESULTS We identified the following themes and subthemes: 1. Experiences with personal protective equipment: scarcity, inequality, reutilization, self-protection, delegation of responsibility, and gap between protocols and reality; 2. Perception of the risk of contagion: lack of credibility, lack of trust, lack of support, and meeting subjective needs. CONCLUSIONS The scarcity of personal protective equipment and inequality in its distribution led nurses to take initiatives to feel more protected. Mid-ranking supervisors were caught between the responsibility of monitoring and rationing personal protective equipment and providing the necessary protection to nurses. The disjuncture between protocols and the available supply of personal protective equipment caused confusion. Lack of credibility, lack of trust and lack of support from management influenced participants' perception of the risk of contagion. Mid-ranking supervisors were often responsible for trying to alleviate fear among nursing staff. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding the factors involved in risk perception can be helpful to decision-makers who help protect nurses in clinical practice. These results can help administrators and policymakers because they point to the need for nurses to feel that their departments and centers look after their safety at work. Transparent communication and emotional support may contribute to their well-being in the face of risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romeu-Labayen
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Glòria Tort-Nasarre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Health Education Research Group (GREpS), Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Anoia Primary Care Service, Gerència Territorial Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), St. Fruitós del Bages, Spain
| | - Bruna Alvarez
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Martí Subias-Miquel
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Vázquez-Segura
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Manso's Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Center, Gerència Territorial Barcelona, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Marre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Paola Galbany-Estragués
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in healthcare workers at a frontline hospital in Tokyo. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8380. [PMID: 33863960 PMCID: PMC8052331 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are highly exposed to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The actual coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation, especially in regions that are less affected, has not yet been determined. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs working in a frontline hospital in Tokyo, Japan. In this cross-sectional observational study, screening was performed on consented HCWs, including medical, nursing, and other workers, as part of a mandatory health checkup. The screening test results and clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. The antibody seroprevalence rate among the 4147 participants screened between July 6 and August 21, 2020, was 0.34% (14/4147). There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence rate between frontline HCWs with a high exposure risk and HCWs working in other settings with a low exposure risk. Of those seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, 64% (9/14) were not aware of any symptoms and had not previously been diagnosed with COVID-19. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the extent of infection and immune status in HCWs in Japan, which has a relatively low prevalence of COVID-19. Our findings aid in formulating public health policies to control virus spread in regions with low-intensity COVID-19.
Collapse
|
6
|
Anders RL, Lam SC. COVID-19 experience in mainland China: Nursing lessons for the United States of America. Nurs Forum 2021; 56:439-443. [PMID: 33538005 PMCID: PMC8014594 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, and began its worldwide journey. As the severity of the virus became known, the Chinese National Government mobilized resources, and their centralized management was critical to the containment of the epidemic. Healthcare agencies and providers were overwhelmed with patients, many of whom were critically ill and died. Nurses adapted to the work using personal protective equipment, but its initial scarcity contributed to stressful working conditions. Nurses in the United States can take several lessons from the experiences of their Chinese nurse colleagues, including the benefit of centralized management of the epidemic, the need for specialized treatment facilities, and the importance of a national stockpile of critical equipment and supplies. A fully funded United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Pandemics and Emerging Threats is necessary. A nursing department within the office and a national mobilization plan to send nurses to support local efforts during a pandemic or other threat are likewise essential. Continuous training for nurses, especially caring for patients with infectious diseases in intensive care units, stress management, and how to comfort the dying, are also useful lessons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Anders
- School of Nursing, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas, USA
| | - Simon C Lam
- School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|