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Haward R, G R, Kalyan M. The Impact of Personal Protective Equipment on Healthcare Workers on COVID-19 Duty in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India. Cureus 2023; 15:e41910. [PMID: 37583728 PMCID: PMC10425167 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41910] [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] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Context The proper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be prioritised for health care workers (HCWs), where shortages and prolonged use of personal protective equipment can threaten safety in essential health services. Aims To evaluate the effect of personal protective equipment on the health and well-being of HCWs, physicians, nurses, and technicians on duty for COVID-19 rotational postings. Settings and design This cross-sectional study was done by simple random sampling. Methods and materials This study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in South India to assess the utilisation of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the second wave of COVID-19. A physical questionnaire was distributed to a total of 266 healthcare workers, aged 20 to 50, who had worked for a minimum of three consecutive days between May and August 2021. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PPE use among healthcare workers during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical analysis The data analysis in this study was conducted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19 (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). The mean and standard deviation, or median, were used to present continuous variables, while frequency and percentage were used to present categorical variables. Furthermore, the minimum sample size required for this study was calculated to be 246 participants. Results The survey included 266 healthcare workers. The mean+/-SD of age was 28.18+/-5.64 and consisted of females (54.51%) and males (45.48%). The postings were in emergency (13.15%), intensive care unit (30.82%), and ward (56.01%), respectively. The HCWs who used PPE for four to seven days reported more symptoms than those who used it for one to three days. Discomforts experienced while wearing PPE were chest suffocation (49.62%), difficulty in performing intubation (36.09%), difficulty in seeing clearly (68.79%), dizziness (49.62%), excessive sweating (75.56%), micturition desire (52.63%), nausea (42.48%), retro-auricular pain (56.76%), stomach burns (27.44%), and thirst or dry throat (78.57%). The symptoms suffered after doffing were tiredness (69.17%), dry mouth (67.29%), dizziness (43.60%), headache (55.63%), chest suffocation (36.46%), dry skin (57.14%), reduced ability to concentrate (48.12%), dark-coloured urine (55.63%), reduced alertness (42.48%), and stomach burns (28.94%). The first thoughts after doffing were to drink water (68.42%), eat something (36.09%), clean yourself (61.27%), urinate (33.08%), and have some rest (29.32%), respectively. 81 (30.45%). The HCWs suffered skin injuries while wearing gloves. The time for restoring after a shift was 12 hours (37.59%), 24 hours (34.21%), 36 hours (11.65%), and 48 hours (16.59%). Pressure sores were reported on the forehead by 53 (19.92%) participants, the nose by 54 (20.30%), the cheek by 31 (11.65%), and behind the ear by 77 (65.71%) participants. The optimal size of PPE was experienced only by 76 (28.57%) participants, while 73 (27.44%) of them felt tight and 117 (43.98%) felt loose. Conclusions To minimise discomfort while managing infectious diseases, HCWs can adopt several practices like taking regular breaks, ensuring humane working hours, utilising high-quality PPE, and wearing properly fitting gear. By implementing these measures, HCWs can enhance their ability to handle infectious diseases effectively while prioritising their comfort and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Haward
- Medical School, Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | - Ridhima G
- Medical School, Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
| | - Meenakshi Kalyan
- Internal Medicine, Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Bangalore, IND
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YILDIZ T, AVCU C. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Surgery Process. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1135188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With this review, it was aimed to discuss the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process before, during and after surgery. Studies that were accessed using the keywords “COVID-19”, “perioperative” and “surgery” in Pubmed and Science Direct and Turkish databases were discussed. The measures taken with the declaration of the pandemic also affected surgical practices, and postponing elective cases other
than emergency and cancer surgery was one of the common measures implemented in many countries. In addition to all these measures and recommendations, the fact that the operating room environment has some unique risk factors draws attention to the process before, during and after the surgery. Guidelines for the measures to be taken in the national and international arena are published in order to plan the workforce of health professionals and to use limited health care resources effectively, as well as to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures and recommendations are shaped according to the statistical fluctuation in the number of infected cases and health care resources in countries, and policies and procedures regarding the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period are updated. It is extremely important to follow the current literature in order to protect both patients and healthcare professionals involved in the surgical process and to prevent cross-contamination against the COVID-19 virus.
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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.
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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
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Said Abasse K, Toulouse Fournier A, Paquet C, Côté A, Smith PY, Bergeron F, Archambault P. Collaborative Writing Applications in Support of Knowledge Translation and Management during Pandemics: A Scoping Review. Int J Med Inform 2022; 165:104814. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2022.104814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Lee DR, Dedhia K. Pediatric otolaryngology in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: what have we learned? Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 29:504-509. [PMID: 34710069 PMCID: PMC8577308 DOI: 10.1097/moo.0000000000000762] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has changed the face of healthcare. The current review is to discuss the major aspects that have changed in pediatric otolaryngology, from surgical operations management, to clinic workflow, to procedural precautions. RECENT FINDINGS There have been many studies over the past year describing different ways to improve the safety of healthcare delivery in pediatric otolaryngology amidst a global pandemic, as well as ways to improve clinic and surgical logistics along with guidelines for telehealth of a surgical specialty. SUMMARY COVID-19 has forever altered how healthcare is viewed and practiced, and pediatric otolaryngology was not exempt. With an increased focus on provider safety, as well as novel ways of utilizing changes in methods of communication, the practice of pediatric otolaryngology has evolved with the rest of healthcare to take on the new challenges brought on by this global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Lee
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Kavita Dedhia
- Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Building a personal protective equipment monitor team as part of a comprehensive COVID-19 prevention strategy. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:1443-1444. [PMID: 34416314 PMCID: PMC8372438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We instituted Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Monitors as part of our care of COVID-19 patients in high-risk zones. PPE Monitors aided health care personnel (HCP) in donning and doffing, which contributed to nearly zero transmission of COVID-19 to HCP, despite their care of over 1400 COVID-19 patients.
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Silva OMD, Cabral DB, Marin SM, Bitencourt JVDOV, Vargas MADO, Meschial WC. Biosafety measures to prevent COVID-19 in healthcare professionals: an integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 75:e20201191. [PMID: 34495131 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to identify the main biosafety measures for preventing COVID-19 in healthcare professionals. METHODS this is an integrative literature review, with studies published between January and July 2020, on the MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELo, Wiley Online Library, Cochrane CINAHL databases. The selection of studies followed the PRISMA recommendations. RESULTS among the 2,208 publications identified, 12 studies comprised the sample, which enabled the analysis in four thematic categories: The importance of using recommendations about the use of personal protective equipment; The restructuring of new operational and clinical routines and flows in the practice of services; Monitoring professionals, especially testing; Conducting training. CONCLUSIONS the phenomena involved are innumerable, covering operational management and the training of teams to deal with highly infectious pathogens and disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Mara Marin
- Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brazil
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Picard C, Edlund M, Keddie C, Asadi L, O'Dochartaigh D, Drew R, Douma MJ, O'Neil CR, Smith SW, Kanji JN. The effects of trained observers (dofficers) and audits during a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak: A mixed-methods quality improvement analysis. Am J Infect Control 2021; 49:1136-1141. [PMID: 33774100 PMCID: PMC7992300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background In response to a facility-wide COVID-19 outbreak, our tertiary acute care hospital implemented an evidence-based bundle of infection control practices including the use of audits and trained observers “dofficers” to provide real-time constructive feedback. Methods We trained furloughed staff to perform the role of dofficer. They offered support and corrective feedback on proper PPE use and completed 21-point audits during a 4-week intervention period. Audits tracked appropriate signage, placement and availability of supplies (equipment), correct PPE use, enhanced environmental cleaning, along with cohorting and social distancing rates. Audit data was used to provide weekly quality improvement reports to units. Results Nine hundred and sixty two separate audits recorded 36,948 observations, over 7,696 observer-hours. The most common errors were with environmental cleaning and PPE use; the least common were with regards to equipment availability and cohorting and social distancing. Mean error rates decreased from 9.81% to 2.88% (P < .001). The largest reduction, 22.57%, occurred in the category of PPE doffing errors. Conclusions Dofficer led audits effectively identified areas for improvement. Feedback through weekly reports and real-time correction of PPE errors by dofficers led to statistically significant improvements; however, error rates remained high. Further research is needed establish if these relationships are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Picard
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Covenant Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | - Leyla Asadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Domhnall O'Dochartaigh
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Emergency Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Matthew J Douma
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Conar R O'Neil
- Covenant Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephanie W Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jamil N Kanji
- Covenant Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Public Health Laboratory, Alberta Precision Laboratories, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Santos RDS, Barreto CTG, Lemos PFS, Duarte CA, Moreira DDS, Reis AT, Silva FHD, Nunes AS. Management of a university ambulatory service: nursing in the coping of the pandemic of COVID-19. Rev Bras Enferm 2021; 74Suppl 1:e20200834. [PMID: 33886842 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to describe the implementation and management of a restructured nursing service to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS a descriptive study, carried out at Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic, a university ambulatory unit, which became a reference for testing the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the city of Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS dimensioning of human resources for nursing was carried out; flows for serving users of the unit and for testing SARS-CoV-2; professional training on prevention practices. From March 18 to July 3, a total of 31214 services were made by the nursing team, 25424 for testing and 453 health professionals received professional training. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS nursing represents an important workforce, planning and management for restructuring health services in an emergency, due to its broad managerial, educative and direct care to the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíla de Souza Santos
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Cíntia Araujo Duarte
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Diego da Silva Moreira
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Henriques da Silva
- Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dibbs RP, Ferry AM, Enochs J, Ward A, Glover CD, Archer N, Taylor KD, Almaguer-Bravo J, Hollier LH. The use of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary pediatric hospital. J Healthc Risk Manag 2021; 40:38-44. [PMID: 33496074 PMCID: PMC8014889 DOI: 10.1002/jhrm.21460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The provision of health care in the perioperative setting has undergone significant changes due to severe respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Hospital facilities have been tasked with developing and implementing personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols to protect both medical providers and patients. Texas Children's Hospital has created a set of protocols for donning and doffing PPE while managing surgical pediatric patients. These requirements have undergone numerous modifications as a result of our internal infrastructural recommendations and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, which has led to more lenient regulations. While these perioperative PPE protocols were less stringent compared to the original guidelines, we were able to create a safe surgical environment without further exposing patients and health care providers to SARS‐CoV‐2. In this article, we detail the design, distribution, implementation, and modification of our institutional surgical PPE protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami P Dibbs
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew M Ferry
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Joyce Enochs
- Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Amanda Ward
- Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chris D Glover
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nakeisha Archer
- Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly D Taylor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Judy Almaguer-Bravo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Larry H Hollier
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Identifying and Implementing Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Self-Contamination of Health Care Workers Caused by Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2020; 16:445-448. [PMID: 33087198 PMCID: PMC7737112 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is estimated that tens of thousands of health care workers have been infected. The doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been identified an important place and procedure that might influence the self-contamination of health care workers. More recent evidence suggests that, in addition to existing infection control standards, there is an urgent need for the incorporation of various recent information and advancements pertaining to structure and process to reduce the self-contamination of health care workers during the doffing of PPE.
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Núñez-Velasco S, Mercado-Pimentel R, Ochoa-Plascencia M, Rodríguez-Arias R, Lopez-Espinoza G, González-González ME, Estrella-Sánchez C, Ramírez-Huerta C. Response to SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in a Non-COVID-19 Designated Latin-American Neurosurgery Department. World Neurosurg 2020; 142:506-512. [PMID: 32438005 PMCID: PMC7211578 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Mexico declared the first case of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in February 2020. At the time we write this article, our country is facing a community spread phase, expecting a rapid increase in the number of cases and fatalities. The Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara has been declared a non-COVID-19 hospital with the mission of providing care to patients already registered and also those transferred from neurosurgical departments of neighboring centers, which have been converted into COVID-19 only hospitals. Methods An organized response regarding personnel, surgical case selection, operating room behavior, and facility reorganization were designed to prevent an internal coronavirus outbreak in the neurosurgery department at the Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara. Results Distancing actions by the staff and residents, including ward case discussions, neurosurgery rounds, and classes, will be carried out virtually. We classified neurosurgical patients into 4 groups depending on whether their condition demands care in 0-6 hours, 6-48 hours, 48 hours to 14 days, and >14 days. Subsequently, a questionnaire with epidemiologic, radiologic, clinical, and serologic criteria will be applied to determine the risk of COVID-19 infection to define to which area they are going to be transferred according to the different risk zones in our facility. Conclusions Despite not being a COVID-19 center, we consider all patients at the neurosurgical ward and staff members as asymptomatic carriers or infected in the preclinical period. Specific measures must be taken to ensure the safety and care of neurosurgical patients and medical staff during the community spread phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Núñez-Velasco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Rodrigo Mercado-Pimentel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ochoa-Plascencia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Regina Rodríguez-Arias
- Department of Anesthesiology, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Lopez-Espinoza
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Maria Elena González-González
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Surgery Division, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Estrella-Sánchez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Carlos Ramírez-Huerta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fray Antonio Alcalde Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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Campos RK, Saada N, Rossi SL, Weaver SC. Thermally bonded disinfectant for self-decontamination of fabric against SARS-CoV-2. J Hosp Infect 2020; 106:835-836. [PMID: 32920018 PMCID: PMC7482589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R K Campos
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - N Saada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - S L Rossi
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - S C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Tan L, Kovoor JG, Williamson P, Tivey DR, Babidge WJ, Collinson TG, Hewett PJ, Hugh TJ, Padbury RTA, Langley SJ, Maddern GJ. Personal protective equipment and evidence-based advice for surgical departments during COVID-19. ANZ J Surg 2020; 90:1566-1572. [PMID: 32671968 PMCID: PMC7404866 DOI: 10.1111/ans.16194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inconsistencies regarding the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) have raised concerns for the safety of surgical staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This rapid review synthesizes the literature and includes input from clinical experts to provide evidence-based guidance for surgical services. METHODS The rapid review comprised of targeted searches in PubMed and grey literature. Pertinent findings were discussed by a working group of clinical experts, and consensus recommendations, consistent with Australian and New Zealand Government guidelines, were formulated. RESULTS There was a paucity of high-quality primary studies specifically investigating appropriate surgical PPE for healthcare workers treating patients possibly infected with COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is capable of aerosol, droplet and fomite transmission, making it essential to augment standard infection control measures with appropriate PPE, especially during surgical emergencies and aerosol-generating procedures. All biological material should be treated a potential source of SARS-COV-2. Staff must have formal training in the use of PPE and should be supervised by a colleague during donning and doffing. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should wear a surgical mask during transfer to and from theatre. Potential solutions exist in the literature to extend the use of surgical P2/N95 respirators in situations of limited supply. CONCLUSION PPE is advised for all high-risk procedures and when a patient's COVID-19 status is unknown. Surgical departments should facilitate staggered rostering, remote meeting attendance, and self-isolation of symptomatic staff. Vulnerable surgical staff should be identified and excluded from operations with a high risk of COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorwai Tan
- Research Audit and Academic SurgeryRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Penny Williamson
- Research Audit and Academic SurgeryRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - David R. Tivey
- Research Audit and Academic SurgeryRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Discipline of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth HospitalUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Wendy J. Babidge
- Research Audit and Academic SurgeryRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Discipline of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth HospitalUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Peter J. Hewett
- Discipline of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth HospitalUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Thomas J. Hugh
- Northern Clinical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Surgical EducationResearch and Training Institute, Royal North Shore HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Robert T. A. Padbury
- Flinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Division of Surgery and Perioperative MedicineFlinders Medical CentreAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Sally J. Langley
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery DepartmentChristchurch HospitalChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Guy J. Maddern
- Research Audit and Academic SurgeryRoyal Australasian College of SurgeonsAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Discipline of Surgery, The Queen Elizabeth HospitalUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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