Self-protection of medical workers in ophthalmology clinic during COVID-19 epidemic

Impact of occupational exposure on job satisfaction and overall happiness among Chinese physicians and nurses: A cross-sectional study

AIMS

To investigate the impact of occupational exposure on job satisfaction and overall happiness, and to identify related factors of job satisfaction and overall happiness among physicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND

Occupational exposure against physicians and nurses has become one of the most serious public health issues worldwide.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians and nurses from 14 public tertiary hospitals using purposive sampling. Propensity score matching was used to compare job satisfaction and overall happiness among physicians and nurses with and without occupational exposure. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify and analyze the influencing factors of job satisfaction and overall happiness.

RESULTS

A total of 2139 physicians and nurses (55.59%) from 3791 participants had experienced occupational exposure hazards. Before matching, the job satisfaction and overall happiness among the physicians and nurses was 38.54% and 42.14%, respectively. Participants who experienced occupational exposure were more likely to develop job dissatisfaction (OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 0.90-1.28) and overall unhappiness (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.05- 1.46) than those who did not. Participants' work experience, self-evaluated health status, satisfaction with the work environment, evaluation of doctor-patient relationship, and stress were common factors affecting job satisfaction and overall happiness.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that physicians and nurses who experience occupational exposure are more likely to develop job dissatisfaction and overall unhappiness, especially if they have shorter work experience and a tense or neutral relationship with patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

It is necessary to pay attention to the occupational exposure. When physicians and nurses experience occupational exposure, managers could provide support to prevent job dissatisfaction and unhappiness.

SARS-CoV-2 and the Eyes: A Review of the Literature on Transmission, Detection, and Ocular Manifestations

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous reports of ocular anomalies occurring in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged. The most frequently reported pathology is conjunctivitis, which may be the first or only clinical manifestation of the disease. Involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in development of alterations in other ocular structures was suggested, including the cornea, the retina, and blood vessels. Possible mechanisms include direct activity of the viral agent, as well as systemic inflammatory response with accompanying thromboembolic complications. Genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 was detected in ocular secretions of infected individuals, including asymptomatic patients. Moreover, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor protein used by the virus to enter the cell, has been found on the surface of various structures of the eye, which indicates a risk of transmission through ocular tissues. Therefore, it is crucial to use eye protection by medical professionals having contact with potentially infected patients. This paper is a review of the literature regarding ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a summary of the current state of knowledge about possibility of transmission from an ophthalmology point of view. For data collection, a thorough PubMed search was performed, using the key words: "COVID ocular", "COVID eye", "SARS-CoV-2 ocular", and "SARS-CoV-2 eye". Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection may manifest itself in various ocular conditions. Eye protection should not be neglected, as recent studies suggest the eye as a potential route of transmission. Further search for adequate safety measures in ophthalmology practice is required.

Systematic review: SARS-COV-2 contagion prevention measures in vision health professionals

The disease, which originated from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is primarily transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals. Visual healthcare professionals perform clinical practices that pose a significant risk of infection due to their proximity with patients during the examination. This systematic review aims to identify preventive measures that will aid in reducing the risk of infection during standard appointments between patients and visual health professionals. A systematic review was done for articles published in indexed journals from December 2019 to December 2020. The search for these articles was done in 3 electronic databases. As part of the search criteria, articles were selected if they had the keywords (SARS-CoV-2), (COVID-19), and coronavirus combined with ophthalmology, optometry, eye care, and the eye. Once duplicated and unrelated items were eliminated, 36 articles of interest were selected. Seven sections were described in detail: telephone screening, (COVID-19) triage, decreasing transmission within shared spaces, hand washing, use of personal protective equipment Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning of diagnostic instruments, and use of telemedicine. This paper helps healthcare professionals to better understand the context of the "new normal" clinical practice. Visual health professionals and their patients must adhere to norms and use the indicated PPE during the consultation to safeguard each other.