A mobile swabbing booth to address Singapore GPs' concerns about swabber protection: human-centred design during the COVID-19 pandemic

Repurposing phone booths into COVID-19 sampling stations: medical operator experiences

This study investigated the repurposing of phone booths into COVID-19 sampling stations and assessed medical operator experiences in twelve healthcare facilities in Thailand. Amidst the pandemic, these facilities became sampling stations as an emergency measure to enhance medical staff protection. The stations, repurposed from decommissioned phone booths, aimed to reduce COVID-19 infection risks among healthcare workers and patients. After 13 to 16 months of use, a review collected user satisfaction information from each facility. Results indicated high user satisfaction in addressing protection concerns and increasing swab testing participation. This study discusses station design, operational characteristics, and social benefits, emphasizing their adaptability in resource-limited settings. Findings underscore the potential for repurposing infrastructure in public health emergencies and suggest avenues for future research in sustainable healthcare solutions.

Designing 3D-Printed Mesh-Covered Fluid Collecting Racks (MFCRs) to Prevent Moisture-Related COVID-19 Sampling Interruptions in Taiwan

Background: A sampling platform (or table) set at the patient's side in a zero-exposure screening center (booth) might be used for specimen collection during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, repeated sanitization causes moisture problems. Such moisture problems would not only be noted by patients but also interrupt the sampling process. In this study, we aimed to develop 3D-printed mesh-covered fluid collecting racks (MFCRs) to address surface moisture problems to determine whether MFCRs can shorten the sampling time. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. We observed the reasons for sampling interruptions related to surface moisture problems among patients who used MFCRs or did not (April 28-30, 2022). We used a 3D printer to make an MFCR, which measured 14.5 cm in width and length and 1.0 cm in height. The MFCR allows the ethanol to drain through the mesh into the fluid collection rack below to leave a relatively dry surface on the mesh. Finally, we calculated the median time to finish sampling between MFCRs and non-MFCRs. Results: A total of 400 patients were randomly observed (using MFCRs, n = 200; non-MFCRs, n = 200). Patients in the non-MFCR group were more likely to interrupt the sampling process (n = 39, 19.5%) by noting surface moisture problems than those in the MFCR group (n = 3, 1.5%). Two of the major interruptions, "asking questions about the moist surface" (from 12% to 1%) and "slowing down their actions" (from 4.5% to 0.5%), were obviously improved by using MFCRs. Overall, the median sampling time was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the group using MFCRs (0.6 min) than in the group using non-MFCRs (1.5 min). The MFCRs shortened the sampling time by 60%, which might be associated with decreasing interruptions caused by surface moisture problems. Conclusions: The 3D printed MFCRs are suitable for handling surface moisture problems caused by repeated sanitizations. More importantly, the MFCRs might be associated with decreasing interruptions caused by moisture problems.