Decontamination of Surgical Instruments for Safe Wound Care Surgeries in Disasters: What are the Options? A Scoping Review

AbstractInternational guidelines stipulate that autoclavation is necessary to sterilize surgical equipment. World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for decontamination of medical devices require four levels of decontamination: cleaning, low- and high-level disinfection, as well as sterilization. Following disasters, there is a substantial need for wound care surgery. This requires prompt availability of a significant volume of instruments that are adequately decontaminated. Ideally, they should be sterilized using an autoclave, but due to the resource-limited field context, this may be impossible. The aim of this study was therefore to identify whether there are portable and less resource-demanding techniques to decontaminate surgical instruments for safe wound care surgery in disasters. A scoping review was chosen, and searches were performed in three scientific databases, grey literature, and included data from organizations and journals. Articles were scanned for decontamination techniques feasible for use in the resource-scarce disaster setting given that: they achieved at least high-level disinfected instruments, were portable, and did not require electricity. A total of 401 articles were reviewed, yielding 13 articles for inclusion. The study identified three techniques: pressure cooking, boiling, and liquid chemical immersion, all achieving either sterilized or high-level disinfected instruments. It was concluded that besides autoclaves, there are less resource-demanding decontamination techniques available for safe wound surgery in disasters. This study provides systematic information to guide optimal standard setting for sterilization of surgical material in resource-limited disaster settings.

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A Scoping Review of Supply Chain Management Systems for Point of Care Diagnostic Services: Optimising COVID-19 Testing Capacity in Resource-Limited Settings

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics11122299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 2299

Author(s):

Kuhlula Maluleke ◽

Alfred Musekiwa ◽

Kabelo Kgarosi ◽

Emily Mac Gregor ◽

Thobeka Dlangalala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Management ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Grey Literature ◽

World Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Resource Limited Settings ◽

Chain Management ◽

Resource Limited

Background: Point of care (POC) testing has enabled rapid coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis in resource-limited settings with limited laboratory infrastructure and high disease burden. However, the accessibility of the tests is not optimal in these settings. This scoping review mapped evidence on supply chain management (SCM) systems for POC diagnostic services to reveal evidence that can help guide future research and inform the improved implementation of SARS-CoV-2 POC diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Methodology: This scoping review was guided by an adapted version of the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. We searched the following electronic databases: Medline Ovid, Medline EBSCO, Scopus, PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science and EBSCOHost. We also searched grey literature in the form of dissertations/theses, conference proceedings, websites of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and government reports. A search summary table was used to test the efficacy of the search strategy. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018. Results: We retrieved 1206 articles (databases n = 1192, grey literature n = 14). Of these, 31 articles were included following abstract and full-text screening. Fifteen were primary studies conducted in LMICs, and 16 were reviews. The following themes emerged from the included articles: availability and accessibility of POC diagnostic services; reasons for stockouts of POC diagnostic tests (procurement, storage, distribution, inventory management and quality assurance) and human resources capacity in POC diagnostic services. Of the 31 eligible articles, 15 underwent methodological quality appraisal with scores between 90% and 100%. Conclusions: Our findings revealed limited published research on SCM systems for POC diagnostic services globally. We recommend primary studies aimed at investigating the barriers and enablers of SCM systems for POC diagnostic services for highly infectious pathogens such SARS-CoV-2 in high disease-burdened settings with limited laboratory infrastructures.

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Urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preparedness and response in Africa: Rapid scoping review of the early evidence

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312121994360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212199436

Author(s):

Robert Kaba Alhassan ◽

Jerry John Nutor ◽

Aaron Asibi Abuosi ◽

Agani Afaya ◽

Solomon Salia Mohammed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Spillover Effects ◽

Health Systems Strengthening ◽

World Health ◽

African Countries ◽

Response Strategies ◽

Early Evidence

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 also called coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in the African continent on 14 February 2020 in Egypt. As at 18 December 2020, the continent reported 2,449,754 confirmed cases, 57,817 deaths and 2,073,214 recoveries. Urban cities in Africa have particularly suffered the brunt of coronavirus disease 2019 coupled with criticisms that the response strategies have largely been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. This article reviewed early evidence on urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 preparedness and response in Africa. Methods: A rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 26 full articles (empirical studies, reviews and commentaries) were synthesised and analysed qualitatively based on predefined inclusion criteria on publication relevance and quality. Results: Over 70% of the 26 articles reported on coronavirus disease 2019 response strategies across Africa; 27% of the articles reported on preparedness towards coronavirus disease 2019, while 38% reported on urbanisation nexus with coronavirus disease 2019; 40% of the publications were full-text empirical studies, while the remaining 60% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres of coronavirus disease 2019 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa regarding coronavirus disease 2019 fight, the continent’s response strategies were largely found to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Consequently, adoption of ‘Western elitist’ mitigating measures for coronavirus disease 2019 containment resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa. Conclusion: Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions and prioritisation of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies, as coronavirus disease 2019 cases continue to surge on the continent.

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Sexual health and COVID-19: protocol for a scoping review

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01591-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Navin Kumar ◽

Kamila Janmohamed ◽

Kate Nyhan ◽

Laura Forastiere ◽

Wei-Hong Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Original Research ◽

Scoping Reviews

Abstract Background Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health inequities that disproportionately affect the sexual health and well-being of many populations, including people of color, ethnic minority groups, women, and sexual and gender minority populations. Although there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and health disparities across various populations, none has focused on sexual health. We plan to conduct a scoping review that seeks to fill several of the gaps in the current knowledge of sexual health in the COVID-19 era. Methods A scoping review focusing on sexual health and COVID-19 will be conducted. We will search (from January 2020 onwards) CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Gender Studies Database, Gender Watch, Global Health, WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease Database, WHO Global Index Medicus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Sociological Abstracts. Grey literature will be identified using Disaster Lit, Google Scholar, governmental websites, and clinical trials registries (e.g., ClinicalTrial.gov, World Health Organization, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Registry). Study selection will conform to the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Only English language, original studies will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g., frequencies) and qualitative (e.g., content and thematic analysis) methods. Discussion Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on sexual health. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap. Systematic review registrations Systematic Review Registration: Open Science Framework osf/io/PRX8E

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A Scoping Review Protocol for Supply Chain Management Systems for Point of Care Diagnostics Services: Optimising COVID-19 Testing Capacity in Resource-limited Settings

10.21203/rs.3.rs-591015/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kuhlula Maluleke ◽

Thobeka Dlangalala ◽

Alfred Musekiwa ◽

Kabelo Kgarosi ◽

Sphamandla Nkambule ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Supply Chain Management ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Scientific Journal ◽

World Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Resource Limited Settings ◽

Chain Management ◽

Resource Limited

Abstract BackgroundRapid and specific diagnostic tests are essential for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing to allow prompt isolation and early treatment initiation if necessary. Currently, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 testing but are difficult to implement in resource-limited settings with poor access to laboratory infrastructure. Point of care (POC) testing may be more feasible in resource-limited settings because POC testing is cost-effective, easy to perform, results are rapid, and they can be performed at all levels of healthcare by health professionals with minimal training. To ensure equitable access, it is important that SARS-CoV-2 testing is optimised through well-established supply chain management (SCM). Here we outline a protocol for a scoping review aimed at mapping literature on SCM for POC testing in resource limited settings to guide both future research and the implementation of SARS-CoV-2 POC diagnostics. MethodologyThis scoping review will be guided by an adapted version of the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework. We will search the Medline Ovid, Medline EBSCO, Scopus, PubMed, PsychInfo, Web of Science and EBSCOHost databases. We will search gray literature in the form of dissertations/theses, conference proceedings, websites of international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and government reports. We will include articles reporting evidence published since inception. Language restrictions will not be applied. We will use a search summary table to test the effectiveness of the search strategy. Two reviewers will screen eligible studies using a tool developed for this scoping review. The quality of the included studies will be appraised using the mixed method appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018. Discussion The proposed scoping review will gather relevant studies on SCM systems for POC diagnostics services globally. We anticipate that this review’s findings will guide future research on SCM systems for POC diagnostics services in resource-limited settings. The results will be published in a scientific journal, presented at relevant conferences and form part of workshops with key stakeholders involved in SCM systems for POC diagnostics services.

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Mapping Evidence Of Patient-centered Care For Persons Living With Hiv: A Protocol For A Systematic Scoping Review

10.21203/rs.2.18216/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Delarise Mulqueeny ◽

Manduleli Herald Pokiya ◽

Praba Naidoo

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Hiv Treatment ◽

World Health ◽

Hiv Care ◽

Future Research ◽

Clinical Settings ◽

Keywords Hiv ◽

Persons Living With Hiv ◽

Living With Hiv

Abstract Background: The Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global, chronic health challenge that warrants a multidimensional approach to treatment and care. Notwithstanding the strides made in suppressing the virus, evidence illustrates challenges in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) experiences of treatment and care. Such experiences threaten HIV patients’ retention, adherence, mortality, comorbidities and the global community’s efforts to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. A patient-centred approach (PCC) to HIV care and treatment could improve patients’ health care experiences, wellbeing, retention and adherence and strengthen patient-provider relationships, Hence, the aim of this scoping review is to comprehensively map existing evidence of PCC in HIV treatment and care. Additionally, the review will identify and describe gaps that could inform future research and interventional programmes or the need for systematic reviews. Methods and analysis: As HIV PCC is a broad topic, a systematic scoping review, that includes peer-reviewed journal articles and grey literature will be conducted. Online databases: (Google scholar, Scopus, EBSCOhost, PsycINFO via ProQuest, PsycARTICLES via ProQuest, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS) via ProQuest, UNAIDS databases will be accessed. Humanitarian databases such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will also be accessed to identify literature on PCC for PLHIV. Such literature will be published between 2009 and 2019. Two reviewers will independently extract data from relevant search engines, utilising specific inclusion and exclusion standards. Thereafter thematic content analysis will be performed, and a narrative account of the findings will be presented. Discussion: As this is a scoping review, no ethical approval is required. Once the review is completed all summarized data will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences, clinical settings and to policy makers. This is aimed at improving PLHIV’s experiences in clinical settings, practice and care. Keywords: HIV, patient-centred care, patient experiences, ART programme; ARVS; patients

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Sexual health and COVID-19: Protocol for a scoping review

10.21203/rs.3.rs-59514/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Navin Kumar ◽

Kamila Janmohamed ◽

Kate Nyhan ◽

Laura Forastiere ◽

Wei-Hong Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

English Language ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Original Research ◽

Scoping Reviews

Abstract Background: Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health inequities that disproportionately affect the sexual health and well-being of many populations, including people of color, ethnic minority groups, women, and sexual and gender minority populations. Although there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and health disparities across various populations, none have focused on sexual health. We plan to conduct a scoping review that seeks to fill several of the gaps in the current knowledge of sexual health in the COVID-19 era.Methods: A scoping review focusing on sexual health and COVID-19 will be conducted. We will search (from January 2020 onwards) CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, Gender Studies Database, Gender Watch, Global Health, WHO Global Literature on Coronavirus Disease Database, WHO Global Index Medicus, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and Sociological Abstracts. Grey literature will be identified using Disaster Lit, Google Scholar, governmental websites and clinical trials registries (e.g. ClinicalTrial.gov, World Health Organization, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and International Standard Randomized Con-trolled Trial Number registry). Study selection will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Only English language, original studies will be considered for inclusion. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. A narrative summary of findings will be conducted. Data analysis will involve quantitative (e.g. frequencies) and qualitative (e.g. content and thematic analysis) methods.Discussion: Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks ofCOVID-19 on sexual health. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap.

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Knowledge, attitude, perception, and preventative practices towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249853 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249853

Author(s):

Ugochinyere Ijeoma Nwagbara ◽

Emmanuella Chinonso Osual ◽

Rumbidzai Chireshe ◽

Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa ◽

Balsam Qubais Saeed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Further Education ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

African Countries ◽

Preventive Practices ◽

Adequate Knowledge ◽

Sub Saharan

Background Knowledge, attitudes, perception, and preventative practices regarding coronavirus- 2019 (COVID-19) are crucial in its prevention and control. Several studies have noted that the majority of people in sub-Saharan African are noncompliant with proposed health and safety measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and respective country health departments. In most sub-Saharan African countries, noncompliance is attributable to ignorance and misinformation, thereby raising questions about people’s knowledge, attitudes, perception, and practices towards COVID-19 in these settings. This situation is particularly of concern for governments and public health experts. Thus, this scoping review is aimed at mapping evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and preventive practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods Systematic searches of relevant articles were performed using databases such as the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, the WHO library and grey literature. Arksey and O’Malley’s framework guided the study. The risk of bias for included primary studies was assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). NVIVO version 10 was used to analyse the data and a thematic content analysis was used to present the review’s narrative account. Results A total of 3037 eligible studies were identified after the database search. Only 28 studies met the inclusion criteria after full article screening and were included for data extraction. Studies included populations from the following SSA countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. All the included studies showed evidence of knowledge related to COVID-19. Eleven studies showed that participants had a positive attitude towards COVID-19, and fifteen studies showed that participants had good practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions Most of the participants had adequate knowledge related to COVID-19. Despite adequate knowledge, the attitude was not always positive, thereby necessitating further education to convey the importance of forming a positive attitude and continuous preventive practice towards reducing contraction and transmission of COVID‐19.

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Vision Evaluation Tools for Adults With Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review

Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1177/00084174211042955 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000841742110429

Author(s):

Camille Dubé ◽

Yu Jin ◽

Brienne G. Powers ◽

Ginny Li ◽

Amélie Labelle ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Injury ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Acquired Brain Injury ◽

Future Research ◽

Evaluation Tools ◽

Visual Deficits ◽

Visual Skills ◽

High Level

Background. Unrecognized visual deficits (VDs) following an acquired brain injury (ABI) may impact clients’ rehabilitation. Little is known about evaluation tools used in vision rehabilitation. Purpose. To systematically explore the literature describing evaluation tools used for VD on adults with ABI. Method. Using a scoping review methodology, we searched in MEDLINE(Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and the grey literature from inception to 2020. Quantitative and thematic analyses were performed. Findings. Of the 83 studies reporting on 86 evaluation tools, 47% used multiple tools to assess VD. Tools were mostly used by occupational therapists and psychologists to evaluate intermediate, intermediate to high, and high-level visual skills. Clinicians tend to select specific tools that focus on different levels of the hierarchy of visual skills. Implications. Future research should investigate the optimal timeframe for assessment of VD and the psychometric properties of tools to ensure comprehensive VD evaluation.

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Post-rape medicolegal service provision and policy in East Africa: a scoping review protocol

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-021-01613-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sarah Rockowitz ◽

Heather Flowe ◽

Caroline Bradbury-Jones

Keyword(s):

Human Rights ◽

East Africa ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Service Provision ◽

Grey Literature ◽

World Health ◽

British Library ◽

Sexual Offense ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Scoping Reviews

Abstract Background Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is an epidemic that continues to affect both men and women in East Africa. Despite the high prevalence of SGBV in this region, sexual offense policies are often unclear, poorly enforced, or completely lacking. When policies do exist practitioners who assist survivors in the aftermath of the violation often are unaware of them, or may not implement them for a host of reasons (e.g., culture, personal beliefs, and resource limitations). This scoping review seeks to evaluate the literature on existing sexual offense policies in East Africa and understand the consequences of its implementation, or lack thereof, on a survivor’s justice and medical and psychological wellbeing. Methods This scoping review will be guided by the amended Arksey and O’Malley framework recommendations (Levac et al., Implementation Science. 2010) and the 2015 Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines (Peters et al., Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer’s Manual, 2020). The results will be presented using the adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis: Extension for Scoping Reviews chart (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy for this scoping review will include entering search terms into electronic databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus, The British Library, and Web of Science. A “cited by” search will be conducted, which will also include entering references from the reference lists from other articles. Grey literature will be included in the review, which will be identified through searching individual country’s government websites, and other websites, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council. All references will be exported to Endnote library. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full articles. Thematic analysis will be used to evaluate the included articles. Discussion Understanding the legal and regulatory context of SGBV in East Africa and its associations with service provision will generate knowledge on implications for wellbeing. This information can be used to evaluate potential human rights violations and inform future policy. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework https://osf.io/vh3gm

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Efficacy of conservative physiotherapeutic approaches in hormonal-related headaches: a scoping review protocol.

10.1101/2022.01.10.22268916 ◽

2022 ◽

Author(s):

Marzia Stella Yousif ◽

Cecilia Bagnoli ◽

Tiziano Innocenti ◽

Paolo Bizzarri

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Vascular System ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Personal Data ◽

World Health ◽

Adult Women ◽

Publication Type ◽

Clinical Consequences ◽

Keywords Headache

ABSTRACT Introduction. Headache is one of the most common and disabling conditions worldwide, as described by the World Health Organization report. The risk of suffering from headache has been described to increase from twofold to threefold in adult women compared to men, depending on the studies. These gender differences have been linked to environmental, genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal aspects. Sex hormones can enhance headaches mainly through sensitization of the trigemino-vascular system and modulation of the blood vessel factors, with significant clinical consequences. International guidelines suggest several pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in the management of headache disorders as acute or preventive therapies. Few studies have been conducted on the efficacy and effectiveness of therapies in managing hormonal-related headaches to date. Therefore, this scoping review (ScR) aims to summarize the evidence regarding the efficacy of conservative physiotherapeutic approaches on this topic in the domain of gender medicine, which studies sex influences on pathophysiology, clinical signs, prevention, and therapy of diseases. Methods and analysis. The ScR will be performed following the 6-stage methodology suggested by Arksey and O Malley and the extensions to the original framework recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Scopus, CINHAL, Embase and PEDro databases will be searched. Additional records will be identified through searching in grey literature and the reference lists of all relevant studies. No study design, publication type, language nor date restrictions will be applied. Two reviewers will independently screen all abstracts and full-text studies for inclusion. The research team will develop a data collection form to extract the studies characteristics. A tabular and accompanying narrative summary of the information will be provided. This protocol received input from all authors who have expertise in research methodology and specific knowledge in the field. Ethics and dissemination. This study does not require ethical approval as we will not collect personal data. It will summarize information from publicly available studies in line with the nature of the study s methodology. Regarding dissemination activities, the results of this review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, presented at relevant conferences in the field and disseminated through working groups, webinars and partners. KEYWORDS Headache, menstruation, hormones, physical therapy, exercise therapy.

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