Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology in Inpatient and Outpatient Care in Germany: A Nationwide Survey Regarding the First and Second Wave

Objectives To find out the opinion of radiological inpatient and outpatient medical staff regarding the measures taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first and second waves and to identify the measures that are still perceived as needing improvement. Materials and Methods We conducted an anonymous online survey among more than 10 000 radiologists/technicians in Germany from January 5 to January 31, 2021. A total of 862 responses (head physicians, n = 225 [inpatient doctors, n = 138; outpatient doctors, n = 84; N/A, n = 3]; radiologic personnel, n = 637 [inpatient doctor, n = 303; outpatient doctor, n = 50; inpatient technician, n = 217; outpatient technician, n = 26; N/A, n = 41]) were received. Questions of approximation, yes/no questions, and Likert scales were used. Results During the first/second wave, 70 % (86/123)/43 % (45/104) of inpatient and 26 % (17/66)/10 % (5/52) of outpatient head physicians agreed that they received financial support from the authorities but the majority rated the financial support as insufficient. During the first and second wave, 33 % (8/24) and 80 % (16/20) of outpatient technicians agreed that they were adequately provided with personal protective equipment. The perceived lack of personal protective equipment improved for all participants during the second wave. Inpatient [outpatient] technicians perceived an increased workload in the first and second wave: 72 % (142/198) [79 % (19/24)] and 84 % (146/174) [80 % (16/20)]. Conclusion: Technicians seem increasingly negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Financial support by the competent authorities seems to be in need of improvement. Key Points: Citation Format

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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Working in the Head and Neck Field

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1722254 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 25 (01) ◽

pp. e150-e159

Author(s):

Rui Imamura ◽

Ricardo F. Bento ◽

Leandro L. Matos ◽

William N. William ◽

Gustavo N. Marta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Practice ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Outpatient Care ◽

Online Survey ◽

Family Income ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Psychological Burden ◽

The Public ◽

The Third

Abstract Background With the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical practice of physicians who work in the head and neck field in Brazil dropped dramatically. The sustained impact of the pandemic is not known. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to Brazilian otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, asking about their clinical practice in the third to fourth months of the pandemic. Results The survey was completed by 446 specialists. About 40% reported reduction of more than 75% in outpatient care. A reduction of 90% to 100% in airway endoscopies was reported by 50% of the responders, and the same rate of reduction regarding surgeries (pediatric or nasosinusal) was reported by 80% of them. Family income decreased by 50%, and the psychological burden on physicians was considerable. The availability of personal protective equipment and safety precautions were limited, especially in the public sector. Conclusion COVID-19 is still impacting the head and neck field, and safety concerns may hinder the prompt resumption of elective care.

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Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18147378 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (14) ◽

pp. 7378

Author(s):

Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽

Duong Dinh Le ◽

Robert Colebunders ◽

Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽

Trung Dinh Tran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Stress Component ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Working Hours ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Laboratory Workers ◽

Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽

Second Wave

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During the outbreak, HCWs were quarantined within the health facilities in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to their respective communities. Using the stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), we assessed the level of stress among HCWs in Da Nang city. Between 30 August and 15 September 2020, 746 frontline HCWs were recruited to fill in an online structured questionnaire. Overall, 44.6% of participants experienced increased stress and 18.9% severe or extremely severe stress. In multivariable analysis, increased stress was associated with longer working hours (OR = 1.012; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019), working in health facilities providing COVID-19 treatment (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39), having direct contact with patients or their bio-samples (physicians, nurses and laboratory workers; OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99), low confidence in the available personal protective equipment (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.744–0.962) and low knowledge on COVID-19 prevention and treatment (OR = 0.853; 95% CI: 0.739–0.986). In conclusion, many frontline HCWs experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang city. Reducing working time, providing essential personal protective equipment and enhancing the knowledge on COVID-19 will help to reduce this stress. Moreover, extra support is needed for HCWs who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Safety Measures Adopted by Medical Practioners during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/190 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. 883-887

Author(s):

Hemapriya L ◽

Maureen Prativa Tigga ◽

Anil Kumar M.R ◽

Prathap T ◽

Neha Wali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Well Being ◽

World Health ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Personal Safety ◽

Safety Measures

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures

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UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON POST-GRADUATES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION IN THE STATES OF TELANGANA & ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

10.36106/paripex/1209878 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 99-101

Author(s):

Hema Praharaju ◽

Shyam Sunder Indukuri ◽

Venakata Madhav Makineni

Keyword(s):

Medical Education ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Andhra Pradesh ◽

Online Survey ◽

Administrative Support ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Postgraduate Students ◽

Education In India ◽

Graduate Trainees ◽

The Impact

Post-graduate trainees in medical education in India have acted as key frontline healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic,which has had a profound effect on them.This study used an online survey including 144 responses from postgraduate students in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, to understand the impact of the pandemic on them.The survey contained question on personal protective equipment,psychological challenges being faced,clinical & administrative support received, effect on teaching & training, and perception of their services by patients & community. Personal protective equipment was deemed to be adequate by 21%. High levels of stress were described by 75%. Inadequate level of clinical and administrative support was reported by 39% and 46%, respectively. 72% felt that their training has been severely restricted.The majority of the respondents have had either verbal or physical abuse from patients or their attendants.This study highlighted the major problems and the difficult environment being faced by the trainees during the pandemic,and the necessity to address their concerns.

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Personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control: a national survey of UK medical students and interim foundation doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/pubmed/fdaa187 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Emma Jane Norton ◽

Ioannis Georgiou ◽

Alex Fung ◽

Armin Nazari ◽

Soham Bandyopadhyay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Prevention And Control ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Online Survey ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Multi Centre Study ◽

And Control

Abstract Background The adequacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control (IPC) training in UK medical students and interim Foundation Year 1 (FiY1) doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, as is its impact on COVID-19-related anxiety. Methods Cross-sectional, multi-centre study analysing self-reported adequacy of PPE and IPC training and correlation to a modified pandemic anxiety scale. Participants were current medical students and FiY1 doctors in the UK. Data were collected by an online survey. Results Participants reported that they received insufficient PPE information (43%) and IPC training (56%). Significantly, fewer participants identifying as women or BAME/mixed ethnicity reported receiving sufficient PPE information, compared with those identifying as men and White British/White Other, respectively. COVID-19-related anxiety was significantly higher in those without sufficient reported PPE or IPC training, in women compared with men, and in FiY1 doctors compared with medical students. Conclusions With medical students currently volunteering in and imminently returning to hospitals in an educational capacity, levels of self-reported PPE and IPC training are sub-optimal. Better training is paramount to avoid harm to patients and healthcare professionals and to reduce COVID-19-related anxiety among medical students and FiY1 doctors.

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The impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology practice across Africa

Rheumatology ◽

10.1093/rheumatology/keaa600 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 392-398

Author(s):

Richard O Akintayo ◽

Akpabio A Akpabio ◽

Asgar A Kalla ◽

Dzifa Dey ◽

Angela N Migowa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Southern Africa ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Central Africa ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Study Group ◽

Face To Face ◽

Physical Examinations ◽

The Impact ◽

Rheumatology Practice

Abstract Objectives To identify the changes in rheumatology service delivery across the five regions of Africa from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The COVID-19 African Rheumatology Study Group created an online survey consisting of 40 questions relating to the current practices and experiences of rheumatologists across Africa. The CHERRIES checklist for reporting results of internet e-surveys was adhered to. Results A total of 554 completed responses were received from 20 countries, which include six in Northern Africa, six in West Africa, four in Southern Africa, three in East Africa and one in Central Africa. Consultant grade rheumatologists constituted 436 (78.7%) of respondents with a mean of 14.5 ± 10.3 years of experience. A total of 77 (13.9%) rheumatologists avoided starting a new biologic. Face-to-face clinics with the use of some personal protective equipment continued to be held in only 293 (52.9%) rheumatologists’ practices. Teleconsultation modalities found usage as follows: telephone in 335 (60.5%), WhatsApp in 241 (43.5%), emails in 90 (16.3%) and video calls in 53 (9.6%). Physical examinations were mostly reduced in 295 (53.3%) or done with personal protective equipment in 128 (23.1%) practices. Only 316 (57.0%) reported that the national rheumatology society in their country had produced any recommendation around COVID-19 while only 73 (13.2%) confirmed the availability of a national rheumatology COVID-19 registry in their country. Conclusion COVID-19 has shifted daily rheumatology practices across Africa to more virtual consultations and regional disparities are more apparent in the availability of local protocols and registries.

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Evolving Management of COVID-19: A Multi-institutional Otolaryngology Perspective

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1177/0194599820930244 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 163 (2) ◽

pp. 259-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Johanna L. Wickemeyer ◽

Kathleen R. Billings ◽

Taher S. Valika

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Online Survey ◽

National Level ◽

Current Data ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Care Providers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

Objective To provide evolving information on active protocols regarding inpatient, outpatient, procedural, and surgical case management taking place in otolaryngology practices in response to COVID-19. Study Type Cross-sectional multi-institutional survey. Methods An online survey of 55 otolaryngology departments across North America. Results As of March 25, 2020, almost all (n = 53 of 55, 96.3%) otolaryngology departments had canceled elective cases and were performing only urgent consults. Most residents continued to participate in operative cases (n = 45 of 49, 91.8%) and take call (n = 48 of 50, 96.0%). Of the respondents, 27 of 29 (93.1%) stated that they were deferring nonemergent tracheostomy procedures for the time being. The use of personal protective equipment followed a general trend of an increasing level of protection with an increased risk of the procedure; most (n = 49 of 54, 90.7%) incorporated N95 mask usage for bedside/clinic examinations with flexible laryngoscopy. Powered air-purifying respirators and N95 masks were used mainly for procedures involving the mucosal surfaces. Discussion Due to the high viral density in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx of patients with COVID-19, basic examinations and common otolaryngology procedures place practitioners at high risk of exposure. Although there is variability in practice among otolaryngologists across North America in managing the COVID-19 outbreak, most are primarily seeing urgent ambulatory and inpatient consultations. Most are also incorporating personal protective equipment appropriate to the level of transmission across mucous membranes. Implications for Practice In these rapidly evolving times, it is helpful to find solidarity and assurance among health care providers. Current data aimed to provide (1) perceived methods regarding the safe care of otolaryngology patients and (2) updated practice patterns at a national level.

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Survey of North Carolina Hospital Policies Regarding Visitor Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Entering the Rooms of Patients under Isolation Precautions

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology ◽

10.1086/675293 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 259-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

JaHyun Kang ◽

David J. Weber ◽

Barbara A. Mark ◽

William A. Rutala

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Acute Care ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Public Awareness ◽

Acute Care Hospitals ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Study Results ◽

Hospital Policies ◽

Visitor Use

Objective.To explore the range of hospital policies for visitor use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering the room of patients under isolation precautions.Design.Survey using an online questionnaire.Setting.Acute care hospitals registered in the North Carolina Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology (SPICE).Methods.A total of 136 North Carolina hospitals were invited to participate in an online survey. The survey questionnaire was developed, reviewed, and pilot tested, and then it was distributed through SPICE listserv registered e-mail addresses. The survey was conducted from February 6 to March 30, 2012.Results.Among 93 respondent hospitals (response rate, 68.4%), 82 acute care hospitals (60.3%) were included in the analyses. Substantial variation was observed with regard to hospital policies for visitor PPE use when visiting patients under isolation precautions. A total of 71% of hospitals had a hospital visitor policy, and 96% of respondents agreed that hospitals should have a visitor policy. Only 14% of hospitals monitored visitor compliance with PPE. Reported compliance rates varied from “very low” to 97%. Many hospitals (28%) reported difficulties related to visitor compliance with isolation precautions, including hostility and refusal to comply.Conclusions.Our study results illuminated hospital policy variations for visitor isolation precautions. Reported problems with hospital visitor policies (eg, different policies across departments or facilities) suggest the need for standard guidelines and for enhanced public awareness about the importance of visitor compliance with isolation precautions.

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Associations between the working experiences at frontline of COVID-19 pandemic and mental health of Korean public health doctors

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03291-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sangyoon Han ◽

Sejin Choi ◽

Seung Hyun Cho ◽

Joonhyuk Lee ◽

Je-Yeon Yun

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Information Criterion ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Monetary Compensation

Abstract Background Demographic, work environmental, and psychosocial features are associated with mental health of healthcare professionals at pandemic frontline. The current study aimed to find predictors of mental health for public health doctors from working experiences at frontline of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods With first-come and first-served manner, 350 public health doctors with experiences of work at COVID-19 frontline participated online survey on August 2020. Mental health was defined using the total scores of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6. Multivariate logistic regression models of mental health with lowest Akaike Information Criterion were determined among all combinations of working environments, perceived threats and satisfaction at frontline, and demographics that were significant (P < 0.05) in the univariate logistic regression. Results Perceived distress, lowered self-efficacy at work, anxiety, and depressive mood were reported by 45.7, 34.6, 11.4, and 15.1% of respondents, respectively. Predictors of poor mental health found in the multivariate logistic regression analyses were environmental (insufficient personal protective equipment, workplace of screening center, prolonged workhours) and psychosocial (fear of infection and death, social stigma and rejection) aspects of working experiences at frontline. Satisfaction of monetary compensation and proactive coping (acceptance and willingness to volunteer at frontline) were predictive of better mental health. Conclusions Sufficient supply of personal protective equipment and training on infection prevention at frontline, proper workhours and satisfactory monetary compensation, and psychological supports are required for better mental health of public health doctors at frontline of COVID-19 pandemic.

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