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Carrillo I, Poblete R, Serpa P, Martin-Delgado J, Giménez A, Mira JJ. Social support for overcoming fear of contagion at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study in Latin America. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1215693. [PMID: 37780156 PMCID: PMC10536181 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1215693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare professionals has been widely studied, along with different strategies to minimize it. However, professionals' assessment of the social support received and the factors that mitigated their fear of contagion have not been described. This study aimed to assess healthcare professionals' satisfaction with the social support and information received and their efforts to self-isolate to avoid infecting loved ones in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. Methods A cross-sectional online survey, conducted from July to September 2020 in three Latin American countries, elicited healthcare professionals' satisfaction with social support from colleagues, their community, the media, and scientific societies; as well as the information received about the evolution of the pandemic and measures to avoid contagion. The EASE scale was used to measure acute stress. Results Survey responses were received from 700 professionals. The response rate per country exceeded the estimated sample size except in the case of Colombia, which was 81.4%. In general, peer support was highly valued, though satisfaction was lower in high-risk units (p < 0.001). Those who directly assisted COVID-19 patients perceived the least community support (p = 0.023). Professionals from high-risk units (p = 0.013) and those who experienced greater acute stress (p = 0.05) assigned the lowest rating to the information offered by the centre on the pandemic. Men perceived more support from colleagues and better information from the centre than women (p < 0.05). Just 10.7% of professionals changed their residence during the pandemic, but those who worked in high-risk areas self-isolated more frequently (p = 0.026). Conclusion In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador greatly valued the support received from their peers. Being infected with COVID-19, working in high-risk areas, experiencing higher self-reported acute stress, and having an infected co-worker were predictors for self-isolation to protect their relatives. These results point to the appropriateness of putting in place institutional resources based on peer support and specific communication strategies and action protocols to build resilience and responsiveness to future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Carrillo
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Poblete
- Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Medicina Interna, Dirección de Calidad y Gestión Clínica Red de Salud UC CHRISTUS, Santiago, Chile
| | - Piedad Serpa
- Department of Clinical Management and Patient Safety, School of Medicine, Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Jimmy Martin-Delgado
- Hospital Luis Vernaza, Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Alejandro Giménez
- ATENEA Research Group, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Mira
- Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
- ATENEA Research Group, Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region (FISABIO), Sant Joan d’Alacant, Spain
- Hospital Provincial-Pla Health District, Health Department of Alicante-Sant Joan, Alicante, Spain
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Lin SC, Yeh HT, Lee YH, Hsu SM. mHealth and eHealth Applications for a Medicalized Quarantine Hotel during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Appl Clin Inform 2023; 14:575-584. [PMID: 37494971 PMCID: PMC10371401 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Taiwan, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has risen significantly in May 2021. The second wave of the epidemic occurred in May 2022. mHealth (mobile health, social media communities) and eHealth (electronic health, Hospital Information System) can play an important role in this pandemic by minimizing the spread of the virus, leveraging health care providers' time, and alleviating the challenges of medical education. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the process of using mHealth and eHealth to build a medicalized quarantine hotel (MQH) and understand the physical and mental impact of COVID-19 on patients admitted to the MQH. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, data from 357 patients who stayed at the MQH were collected and their psychological symptoms were assessed using an online Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS). Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, univariate analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. RESULTS The patients' mean age was 35.5 ± 17.6 years, and 52.1% (n = 186) of them were males. Altogether, 25.2% (n = 90) of the patients had virtual visits. The average duration of the hotel stay was 6.8 ± 1.4 days, and five patients (0.01%) were transferred to the hospital. The three most common symptoms reported were cough (39%), followed by the sore throat (22.8%), and stuffy/runny nose (18.9%). Most patients achieved a total BSRS score of 0 to 5 points (3,569/91.0%), with trouble falling asleep (0.65 ± 0.65), feeling tense or high-strung (0.31 ± 0.66), and feeling down or depressed (0.27 ± 0.62) scoring highest. The BSRS score was the highest on the first day. The sex of the patients was significantly related to the BSRS score (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION mHealth and eHealth can be used to further monitor an individual's physiological and psychological states. Early intervention measures are needed to improve health care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chuan Lin
- Nursing Department, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Tzu Yeh
- Nursing Department, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsia Lee
- Nursing Department, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Nursing Department, Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Suh-Meei Hsu
- Nursing Department, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Nursing Department, Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
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Alharthi H, Youssef HAM, Al Thobaity A, Yassen RW, Felemban EM, Almalki M, Al-Moteri M. Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Outbreak as Experienced by ICU Nurses: Manifest Qualitative Content Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091269. [PMID: 37174811 PMCID: PMC10177846 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
From the moment the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, intensive care unit (ICU) nurses struggled to care for the COVID-19 patients. As the pandemic became increasingly critical, the task of daily care for critically ill patients fell upon the shoulders of ICU nurses. Understanding the lived experience of ICU nurses, as well as their perception of the experience, is important to identify key lessons to further improve ICU nurses' psychological well-being and resilience. This study explored the lived experiences of ICU nurses who cared for COVID-19 patients using exploratory manifest qualitative content analysis. The findings of this study revealed that these ICU nurses offer important information concerning the crucial role of nurses' family support and religious-spiritual practices in helping them to maintain well-being and cope with the intense situations caused by the pandemic. The lessons emerging from the study findings show that family support and religious-spiritual practices are resources for coping and resilience in times of future pandemics. This implies that ICU nurses who provide care during stressful emergency surges require relief by nurses working in other areas to provide them the opportunity to rest, reconnect with family and become emotionally re-energized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind Alharthi
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A M Youssef
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulellah Al Thobaity
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ruba W Yassen
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ebaa M Felemban
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Almalki
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Modi Al-Moteri
- Nursing Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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Vimercati L, Cannone ESS, Sponselli S, Caputi A, Migliore G, Daleno A, Minicucci AM, Milone G, Spagnolo L, Pipoli A, De Maria L. Organizational wellbeing: A model of a new Apulian COVID-19 designated hospital. Front Public Health 2022; 10:963315. [PMID: 36388268 PMCID: PMC9650542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.963315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Work environment characteristics have an important impact on organizational wellbeing in health care facilities. In the Apulia Region, a new COVID-19 hospital was planned, designated and built in a few weeks for the treatment of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. To our knowledge, this hospital, together with "Fiera Hospital" in Milan, are two of the few buildings worldwide that have been converted into new health care facilities with intensive care center units to treat COVID-19 patients, and this is the first study assessing organizational wellbeing in a newly designated COVID-19 hospital. Aims To detect and assess the strong points, criticality, and perceptions of wellbeing/discomfort of health care workers engaged in the management of the current health emergency. Method The study was conducted on 188 health care workers, with the "Multidimensional Organizational Health Questionnaire." Results We found an overall positive level of organizational wellbeing. The more positive dimensions were "Collaboration between colleagues," "Organizational efficiency" and "Room Comfort." Conflict situations in the workplace were poorly perceived. A very low rate of absenteeism from work was also observed. Conclusions Our results show the effectiveness of the organizational model adopted in the management of the COVID-19 hospital, especially in view of the work and emotional overload of the personnel called to face the epidemiological emergency on the frontline, which did not adversely affect the psychophysical conditions of the workers. The success of this model is related to the coexistence of all levels of care required during any type of health emergency in a single structure, paying particular attention to the architectural, functional, and procedural aspects of health care and to the so-called "humanization" of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy,*Correspondence: Luigi Vimercati
| | - Enza Sabrina Silvana Cannone
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Sponselli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Caputi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Daleno
- Hospital Direction, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Lorenzo Spagnolo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Pipoli
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy,Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy
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Fan VY, Yamaguchi CT, Pal K, Geib SM, Conlon L, Holmes JR, Sutton Y, Aiona A, Curtis AB, Mersereau E. Planning and Implementation of COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Facilities in Hawaii: A Public Health Case Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159368. [PMID: 35954726 PMCID: PMC9368327 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In response to the second surge of COVID-19 cases in Hawaii in the fall of 2020, the Hawaii State Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration led and contracted a coalition of agencies to plan and implement an isolation and quarantine facility placement service that included food, testing, and transportation assistance for a state capitol and major urban center. The goal of the program was to provide safe isolation and quarantine options for individual residents at risk of not being able to comply with isolation and quarantine mandates. Drawing upon historical lived experiences in planning and implementing the system for isolation and quarantine facilities, this qualitative public health case study report applies the plan-do-study-act (PDSA) improvement model and framework to review and summarize the implementation of this system. This case study also offers lessons for a unique opportunity for collaboration led by a public behavioral health leadership that expands upon traditionally narrow infectious disease control, by developing a continuum of care that not only addresses immediate COVID-19 concerns but also longer-term supports and services including housing, access to mental health services, and other social services. This case study highlights the role of a state agency in building a coalition of agencies, including a public university, to respond to the pandemic. The case study also discusses how continuous learning was executed to improve delivery of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Y. Fan
- Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (C.T.Y.); (K.P.); (S.M.G.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Craig T. Yamaguchi
- Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (C.T.Y.); (K.P.); (S.M.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Ketan Pal
- Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (C.T.Y.); (K.P.); (S.M.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Stephen M. Geib
- Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (C.T.Y.); (K.P.); (S.M.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Leocadia Conlon
- Social Science Research Institute, College of Social Sciences, University of Hawaii at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA; (C.T.Y.); (K.P.); (S.M.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Joshua R. Holmes
- Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; (J.R.H.); (Y.S.); (A.A.); (A.B.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Yara Sutton
- Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; (J.R.H.); (Y.S.); (A.A.); (A.B.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Amihan Aiona
- Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; (J.R.H.); (Y.S.); (A.A.); (A.B.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Amy B. Curtis
- Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; (J.R.H.); (Y.S.); (A.A.); (A.B.C.); (E.M.)
| | - Edward Mersereau
- Hawaii State Department of Health, Behavioral Health Administration, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA; (J.R.H.); (Y.S.); (A.A.); (A.B.C.); (E.M.)
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6
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Vimercati L. Editorial: Insights in occupational health and safety: 2021. Front Public Health 2022; 10:975534. [PMID: 35968465 PMCID: PMC9373729 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.975534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Vimercati
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
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The role of social support and resilience in the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare workers in Spain. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 148:181-187. [PMID: 35124398 PMCID: PMC8668396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 pandemic hotspots across the globe have reported mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Many studies have focused on identifying modifiable risk factors, such as being afraid of getting infected or reporting shortage of personal protective equipment, but none have explored the role of protective factors. METHOD This cross-sectional study used an online survey to describe the association between three potentially protective factors (self-reported resilience, self-perceived social support from colleagues at work, and self-perceived social support from relatives and friends) and three mental health outcomes, namely psychological distress, depression symptoms, and death thoughts in a large sample of Spanish HCWs during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS We recruited 2372 respondents between April 26th and June 22nd, 2020. Resilience and self-perceived social support were inversely associated with mental health problems (psychological distress, depression symptoms, and death thoughts), after adjusting for potential sources of confounding. CONCLUSIONS Resilience and self-perceived social support might protect HCWs against negative mental health outcomes. Public health strategies targeting these modifiable determinants might help to reduce the impact of the pandemic on HCWs' mental health.
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Ng CYH, Lim NA, Bao LXY, Quek AML, Seet RCS. Mitigating SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in Hospitals: A Systematic Literature Review. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604572. [PMID: 35296115 PMCID: PMC8906284 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Hospital outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection are dreaded but preventable catastrophes. We review the literature to examine the pattern of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in hospitals and identify potential vulnerabilities to mitigate the risk of infection. Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase and Scopus) were searched from inception to July 27, 2021 for publications reporting SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in hospital. Relevant articles and grey literature reports were hand-searched. Results: Twenty-seven articles that described 35 SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks were included. Despite epidemiological investigations, the primary case could not be identified in 37% of outbreaks. Healthcare workers accounted for 40% of primary cases (doctors 17%, followed by ancillary staff 11%). Mortality among infected patients was approximately 15%. By contrast, none of the infected HCWs died. Several concerning patterns were identified, including infections involving ancillary staff and healthcare worker infections from the community and household contacts. Conclusion: Continuous efforts to train-retrain and enforce correct personal protective equipment use and regular routine screening tests (especially among ancillary staff) are necessary to stem future hospital outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester Yan Hao Ng
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicole-Ann Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lena X. Y. Bao
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Amy M. L. Quek
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raymond C. S. Seet
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Raymond C. S. Seet,
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic took the world by surprise in 2020, rapidly overwhelming our societies, economies, and health-care systems. The health-care workers (HCWs), hospital administrators, government leaders, and public health officials all rushed to coordinate and contain its global spread. Early on, it became clear that the virus was highly contagious and had a longer latent (yet transmissible) period when compared with previous pandemics. During the early dynamics in Wuhan, China, the basic reproductive number (R0) was 2.2–2.7, suggesting a doubling time of the number of infected persons of 6–7 days. The spread of the disease has been further exacerbated by limitations in testing and medical supplies, disconcerting guidelines, conflicting media information, and whether policies are instituted and enforced to attempt to “flatten the curve” as well as the timeliness of health-related political efforts. At the same time, a swarming number of fast-track publications and interventions overwhelmed frontline HCWs with excessive and misrepresented study conclusions that needed to be implemented at the bedside. Some high-profile publications were even retracted limiting further therapeutic options. Facing these uncertainties, HCWs have been battling with immense physical and psychological stress from a surge of clinical work, staff shortage, bed crunch, potential lack of personal protective equipment and drugs, and profound ethical conflicts. Above all, HCWs grapple with the risks that exposure to the virus could have not only for themselves but for their families. The International Council of Nursing reported an estimate of 230,000 infected HCWs and over 600 nurses died based on information collected on 30 countries from national nursing associations, government figures, and media reports in June 2020. In this chapter, we explore the multitude of challenges confronting the frontline providers during this COVID-19 pandemic.
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Remón-Berrade M, Guillen-Aguinaga S, Sarrate-Adot I, Garcia-Garcia MP, Lerga-Berruezo MDC, Guillen-Aguinaga L, Guillen-Grima F. Risk of Secondary Household Transmission of COVID-19 from Health Care Workers in a Hospital in Spain. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 3:1-10. [PMID: 36417263 PMCID: PMC9620916 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital health care workers are at high risk of developing COVID-19 and transmitting the disease to their family upon returning home; the aim here is to estimate the secondary attack rate of COVID-19 in household contacts of health care workers and their transmission risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS COVID-19 cases in the health care workers of an academic hospital in Pamplona, Spain, from 2 March to 26 May 2020, were followed up. The secondary attack rate (SAR) was estimated from cases in household contacts of index cases and their risk factors by Poisson regression. RESULTS 89 index cases were studied from 99 notified cases in health care workers (89.0%), excluding secondary cases or those who lived alone. Forty-six secondary cases confirmed by the laboratory were found among 326 household contacts, a secondary attack rate of 14.11% (95% CI 10.75-18.31), and 33 household contacts with acute infection symptoms without microbiologic confirmation 10.12% (95% CI 7.30-13.87). Considering all the cases, the secondary attack rate was 27.3 (95% CI 22.75-32.38). Risk factors were the gender and profession of the index case, the number of people living in the household, and the number of persons per bedroom. When the index case health worker used a single room, it had a protective effect, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.493 (95% CI 0.246-0.985); Conclusions: The secondary attack rate found among household contacts of health care workers is high. The preventive isolation of health care workers in individual rooms in their house may reduce the transmission in their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Remón-Berrade
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (I.S.-A.); (M.P.G.-G.); (M.d.C.L.-B.)
| | - Sara Guillen-Aguinaga
- Azpilagaña Health Center, Navarra Health Service, 31006 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Isabel Sarrate-Adot
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (I.S.-A.); (M.P.G.-G.); (M.d.C.L.-B.)
| | - Maria Pilar Garcia-Garcia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (I.S.-A.); (M.P.G.-G.); (M.d.C.L.-B.)
| | - Maria del Carmen Lerga-Berruezo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (I.S.-A.); (M.P.G.-G.); (M.d.C.L.-B.)
| | | | - Francisco Guillen-Grima
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (M.R.-B.); (I.S.-A.); (M.P.G.-G.); (M.d.C.L.-B.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-296-384
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11
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May T, Aughterson H, Fancourt D, Burton A. 'Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected': a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e050945. [PMID: 34772752 PMCID: PMC8593269 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about 'essential' work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and well-being of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK. DESIGN In-depth, qualitative interviews, analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. SETTING Telephone or video call interviews, conducted in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021. PARTICIPANTS 23 participants aged 26-61 (mean age=47.2) years employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services, the police and fire services, waste collection, finance and religious services. RESULTS Keyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient personal protective equipment and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment. CONCLUSIONS In efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (eg, seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom May
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Henry Aughterson
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Burton
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
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12
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Association between Long COVID and Overweight/Obesity. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184143. [PMID: 34575251 PMCID: PMC8469321 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Long COVID is a syndrome characterized by the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. Among HCWs, prolonged COVID symptoms could lead to the inability to perform work tasks. The aim of this study is to investigate 35-day long-COVID (35-LC) characteristics and risk factors in a one-year period. Methods: We carried out a retrospective cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic at University Hospital of Bari. A total of 5750 HCWs were tested for close contact with a confirmed case, in the absence of personal protective equipment, or for symptom development. Results: Each positive HCW was investigated for cardiovascular risk factors or respiratory diseases. An amount of 352 HCWs (6.1%) were infected by SARS-CoV-2, and 168 cases evolved to long COVID. The 35-LC group showed mean BMI values higher than the non-35-LC group (25.9 kg/m2 vs. 24.8 kg/m2, respectively), and this difference was significant (p-value: 0.020). Moreover, HCWs who suffered from pulmonary disease (OR = 3.7, CL 95%: 1.35–10.53; p-value = 0.007) or overweight (OR = 1.6 CL 95%: 1.05–2.56; p-value = 0.029) had an increased risk of developing 35-LC. Conclusions: Long COVID is an emerging problem for hospital managers as it may reduce the number of HCWs deployed in the fight against COVID-19. High BMI and previous pulmonary disease could be risk factors for 35-LC development in exposed HCWs.
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13
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Costantino C, Cannizzaro E, Verso MG, Tramuto F, Maida CM, Lacca G, Alba D, Cimino L, Conforto A, Cirrincione L, Graziano G, Palmeri S, Pizzo S, Restivo V, Casuccio A, Vitale F, Mazzucco W. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Healthcare Professionals and General Population During "First Wave" of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in Sicily, Italy. Front Public Health 2021; 9:644008. [PMID: 34055716 PMCID: PMC8155294 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.644008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
On December 31, 2019, an outbreak of lower respiratory infections was documented in Wuhan caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the beginning, SARS-CoV-2 has caused many infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. Aims of this study were: a. to compare the distribution among the HCWs and the general population of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Western Sicily and Italy; b. to describe the characteristics of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the western Sicilian healthcare context during the first wave of the epidemic diffusion in Italy. Incidence and mean age of HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 were comparable in Western Sicily and in the whole Italian country. The 97.6% of infections occurred in HCWs operating in non-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) working environments, while an equal distribution of cases between hospital and primary care services context was documented. Nurses and healthcare assistants, followed by physicians, were the categories more frequently infected by SARS-CoV-2. The present study suggests that healthcare workers are easily infected compared to the general population but that often infection could equally occur in hospital and non-hospital settings. Safety of HCWs in counteracting the COVID-19 pandemic must be strengthened in hospital [adequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), optimization of human resources, implementation of closed and independent groups of HCWs, creation of traffic control building and dedicated areas in every healthcare context] and non-hospital settings (influenza vaccination, adequate psychophysical support, including refreshments during working shifts, adequate rest, and family support).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Verso
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Tramuto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Massimo Maida
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Lacca
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Davide Alba
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Livia Cimino
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Arianna Conforto
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Cirrincione
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Graziano
- COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sara Palmeri
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Pizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Restivo
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Casuccio
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Vitale
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Walter Mazzucco
- Department of Health Promotion, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,COVID-19 Surveillance Western Sicily Reference Laboratory, Palermo University Hospital, Palermo, Italy
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Spagnolo L, Vimercati L, Caputi A, Benevento M, De Maria L, Ferorelli D, Solarino B. Role and Tasks of the Occupational Physician during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:479. [PMID: 34065845 PMCID: PMC8151176 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57050479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The first clusters of SARS-CoV-2 infection were identified in an occupational setting, and to date, a significant portion of the cases may result from occupational exposure; thus, COVID-19 should also be considered a new occupational risk that both directly and indirectly impacts the health of workers. Given the significance of occupational-exposure-related infections and deaths, this study aims to assess the roles and tasks of occupational physicians (OPs) in countering the spread of the infection. Indeed, despite the OP's centrality in risk management in the workplace, its activity in the current epidemic context has rarely been mentioned. Materials and Methods: Three different databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase) were questioned using the main keywords "COVID-19" and "SARS-CoV-2" that were crossed, according to different needs, with the terms "occupational medicine", "occupational physician", "workplace", and "risk assessment" using, when possible, the MeSH database research. Additionally, a systematic research of the regulatory changes of workplaces health surveillance was performed on reference sites of international, European, and Italian authorities. Results: Fundamental tasks and duties of OPs in the current COVID-19 outbreak are highlighted by examining their clinical activity and technical action. A risk assessment and management workflow is proposed, and medico-legal implications in case of infection at work are also discussed in the light of recent regulatory changes that clearly attribute to OPs an important role in safeguarding public health. Conclusion: The proposed approach can provide new instruments to contrast the spread of the infection as part of a comprehensive system response to the current pandemic, for which OPs are called to assume full responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Spagnolo
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.S.); (M.B.); (D.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Antonio Caputi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Marcello Benevento
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.S.); (M.B.); (D.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.C.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Davide Ferorelli
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.S.); (M.B.); (D.F.); (B.S.)
| | - Biagio Solarino
- Section of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.S.); (M.B.); (D.F.); (B.S.)
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15
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Lorca LA, Torres-Castro R, Ribeiro IL, Benavente P, Pizarro M, San Cristobal B, Ugarte J, Laura C, Huanchicay C, Mamani A. Linguistic Validation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale for the Chilean Population. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 100:313-320. [PMID: 33496442 DOI: 10.1097/phm.0000000000001706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with COVID-19 can present functional status and disability alterations in the medium- and long-term. On the international level, a multicentered study is being carried out to validate the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale for different nations, thus allowing visualizing the needs for a multidisciplinary approach and planning intervention plans. The objective of this study was to perform a linguistic validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale for people infected with COVID-19 for the Chilean population. METHODS A cross-sectional study of scale validation was carried out. The study was performed in two phases: (1) forward-translation, reverse-translation and (2) apparent cross-validity adaptation. For the apparent validity analysis, 29 individuals who had been hospitalized in Hospital del Salvador with a COVID-19 infection diagnosis and at the time of the interview were in their homes participated. RESULTS In phase 1 forward-translation, an item required semantical changes. The reverse-translation versions were similar, and the most relevant doubts were resolved in a consensus meeting. In phase 2, the pilot study confirmed adequate understanding and scale applicability. CONCLUSIONS Using a systematic and rigorous methodology allowed obtaining a Spanish version of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale for Chile, which is conceptually and linguistically equivalent to the original instrument and adequate to assess the functional status of people infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Alejandra Lorca
- From the Hospital del Salvador, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Oriente, Santiago de Chile (LAL, PB, MP, BSC, JU, CL, CH, AM); Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile (RT-C); and Departamento de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile (ILR)
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Teng X, Teng YM, Wu KS, Chang BG. Corporate Social Responsibility in Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Quarantine Hotel in China. Front Public Health 2021; 9:620930. [PMID: 33634068 PMCID: PMC7901943 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.620930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Teng
- Intelligent Accounting Research Center, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Accounting School, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Man Teng
- College of Modern Management, Yango University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kun-Shan Wu
- Department of Business Administration, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bao-Guang Chang
- Department of Accounting, Tamkang University, Taipei, Taiwan
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17
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Liu Y, Yang S, Hung M, Tong W, Liu Y. Protecting Healthcare Workers Amid the COVID-19 Crisis: A Safety Protocol in Wuhan. Front Public Health 2020; 8:577499. [PMID: 33134240 PMCID: PMC7578383 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.577499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by a distinct coronavirus, is an acute infectious disease that spreads mainly via the respiratory route. During the COVID-19 outbreak, many healthcare systems faced a severe burden when a large number of healthcare workers (HCWs) became infected due to the lack of adequate protection. Consequently, it was apparent that it is important to ensure the health and safety of HCWs in order to control the outbreak throughout society. In this article, we share our successful protocol for protecting the safety of HCWs in the course of their daily work in an orthopedics department with the aim of eventually reducing the risk of nosocomial infection. None of our HCWs or their families contracted the infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunlu Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shijun Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Man Hung
- College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, UT, United States
| | - Wei Tong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tongji Medical College, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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18
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Gulia A, Francis V. True heroes of COVID-19 battle – Our nightingales. Indian J Palliat Care 2020; 26:S184-S185. [PMID: 33088121 PMCID: PMC7534987 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_204_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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