scholarly journals Disinfection of Endoscopy and Reusability of Accessories

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 61-66
Author(s):  
Praveer Rai
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Live Virus ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
High Level

AbstractCorona viruses are a group of medium-sized positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with crown-like structure due to projections noted over the surface of the virus. The infection has been declared as a pandemic by the world health organization (WHO) in March 2020. Health care professionals in endoscopy are at high risk of infection by novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from inhalation of droplets, conjunctival contact, feces, and touch contamination. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is considered to be a high-risk aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs) and the live virus has been found in patient stool. Flexible endoscopes when contaminated have been considered as the vector for transmission of infections. Infections related to the side viewing endoscopes and endoscopic ultrasound scopes are more frequent than upper GI scope and colonoscopes. Stratifying patients needing endoscopy and deferral of elective procedures will help to decrease the virus spread. Planning and revision of workflows is necessary for safety of patient and staff and to successfully provide infection prevention and control measures, for this a “three zones and two passages” concept should be followed. Manual cleaning followed by high-level disinfection (HLD), effectively eliminates nearly all microorganisms from endoscopes during reprocessing. Transmission of viral infections during endoscopy is quite rare and, it is usually the result of noncompliance from the essential steps of reprocessing. Reuse of any disposable GI endoscopic device is strongly discouraged. Environmental decontamination is essential to reduce the risk of fomite transmission. Noncritical environmental surfaces frequently touched by hands (e.g., bedside tables and bed rails) and endoscopy furniture and floor should be considered heavily contaminated in patients with intermediate or high risk of COVID-19 and should be thoroughly disinfected at the end of each procedure. If available, negative pressure rooms are preferred for endoscopy, as has been advised by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Staff involved in reprocessing and the cleaning of endoscopy rooms should utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 mask. Reprocessing staff should undergo necessary training and ongoing annual assessment of competency.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Oral and Dental Health Delivery and Recommendations for Continuation of Oral and Dental Health Services

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Özçelik ◽  
Dursun Ali Şirin
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Dental Health Services ◽  
Principles Of Practice ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
Health Organization

COVID-19, which has caused a great panic by leaving millions of deaths in its wake worldwide, has affected the provision of oral and dental health services as in many fields. Especially dentists, who offer oral and dental health services by working in the oral region of the patients, are under a high risk of encountering the agent. This high risk has justifiably created a concern for them. Therefore, it has been quite challenging to provide oral and dental health services. In order to alleviate these concerns and to sustain oral and dental health services, many health organizations and institutions, especially the World Health Organization, have published recommendations and principles of practice, and announced financial support. In this section, we will examine the recommendations and practices regarding infection prevention and control measures by getting away from standard routine health service practices in order to be protected from COVID-19 epidemic and what areas they cover on a wide scale. By discussing the effects of these recommendations and practices on the provision of dental health services, we will try to determine the practices that will relieve concerns and are aimed at ensuring the provision of safe health services in terms of both patients’ health and health professionals’ health.

scholarly journals Investigating the effectiveness of re-opening policies before vaccination during a pandemic: SD modelling research based on COVID-19 in Wuhan

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Qian ◽  
Wei Xie ◽  
Jidi Zhao ◽  
Ming Xue ◽  
Shiyong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Simulation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract Background Lockdown policies were widely adopted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to control the spread of the virus before vaccines became available. These policies had significant economic impacts and caused social disruptions. Early re-opening is preferable, but it introduces the risk of a resurgence of the epidemic. Although the World Health Organization has outlined criteria for re-opening, decisions on re-opening are mainly based on epidemiologic criteria. To date, the effectiveness of re-opening policies remains unclear. Methods A system dynamics COVID-19 model, SEIHR(Q), was constructed by integrating infection prevention and control measures implemented in Wuhan into the classic SEIR epidemiological model and was validated with real-world data. The input data were obtained from official websites and the published literature. Results The simulation results showed that track-and-trace measures had significant effects on the level of risk associated with re-opening. In the case of Wuhan, where comprehensive contact tracing was implemented, there would have been almost no risk associated with re-opening. With partial contact tracing, re-opening would have led to a minor second wave of the epidemic. However, if only limited contact tracing had been implemented, a more severe second outbreak of the epidemic would have occurred, overwhelming the available medical resources. If the ability to implement a track-trace-quarantine policy is fixed, the epidemiological criteria need to be further taken into account. The model simulation revealed different levels of risk associated with re-opening under different levels of track-and-trace ability and various epidemiological criteria. A matrix was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of the re-opening policies. Conclusions The SEIHR(Q) model designed in this study can quantify the impact of various re-opening policies on the spread of COVID-19. Integrating epidemiologic criteria, the contact tracing policy, and medical resources, the model simulation predicts whether the re-opening policy is likely to lead to a further outbreak of the epidemic and provides evidence-based support for decisions regarding safe re-opening during an ongoing epidemic. Keyords COVID-19; Risk of re-opening; Effectiveness of re-opening policies; IPC measures; SD modelling.

scholarly journals Developing a theory-based behavior change intervention to improve the prescription of surgical prophylaxis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Leena Lohiniva ◽  
Iman Heweidy ◽  
Samiha Abdu ◽  
Abouelata Omar ◽  
Caroline Ackley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Surgical Prophylaxis ◽  
Prescription Practices ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Context Specific

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly pervasive due to multiple, complex prescribing and consuming behaviours. Accordingly, behaviour change is an important component of response to AMR. Little is known about the best approaches to change antibiotic use practices and behaviours. Aim: This project aims to develop a context-specific behaviour change strategy focusing on promoting appropriate prescription practices following the World Health Organization recommendations for surgical prophylaxis. in an orthopaedic surgery unit in Egypt. Methods: The project included a formative qualitative research study was based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and an intervention that was developed to following the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) in a knowledge co-production workshop that ensured that the theory based intervention was a culturally acceptable, practical and implementable intervention. Results: The prescription of surgical prophylaxis was influenced by five TDF domains including, knowledge, belief in consequences (mistrust towards infection prevention and control measures), environmental factors (lack of prescription guidelines) , professional role and reinforcement (a lack of appropriate follow up actions influenced prescription of surgical prophylaxis). The appropriate set of behaviour change functions of BCW and related activities to improve the current practices included education, enablement, persuasion, environmental restructuring and restriction. Conclusions: The study showed that a theory based and context specific intervention can be created by using the TDF and BCW together with knowledge-co creation to improve the prescription of surgical prophylaxis in and Egyptian orthopaedic unit. The intervention need to piloted and scaled up.

scholarly journals A Review on Automatic Covid-19 Lung Infection Detection from Different Imaging Techniques

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (VII) ◽  
pp. 3850-3856
Author(s):  
Sangeeta Singh
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
High Level ◽  
Precision Rate

Corona Virus Disease-2019 commonly known as COVID-19 which has been defined by the Novel Corona Virus. It is a family of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and was first detected during respiratory outbreak. It was first reported to the World Health Organization on December 31, 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 eruption a global health emergency. As of 27-May-2021 169,095,283 confirmed cases have been reported in the world and 2, 73, 67, 935 cases in India. It is required to identify the infection with high precision rate but there are lots of deficiency in the diagnosing system that may resulted false alarm rate. Initially it could be detected through throat saliva but now it can also be identified thought the impairment in lungs from computerized tomographical imaging technique. This paper reviewed various researches over COVID-19 diagnosis approach as well as the syndrome in respiratory organs. There are so many imaging techniques through which lungs impairments can be detected that may diagnose COVID-19 with high level of accuracy. CT scan image is the best alternative for diagnosing COVID-19.

scholarly journals Comparison of Measures adopted to combat COVID 19 Pandemic by different countries in WHO regions

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2 (Supp)) ◽  
pp. 288-299
Author(s):  
Shubha DB ◽  
Malathesh Undi ◽  
Rachana Annadani ◽  
Ayesha Siddique
Keyword(s):  
Virus Disease ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
The World ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Health Organization

Since the emergence of Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID 19) in China in December 2019, a lot of significant decisions have been taken by the World Health Organization (WHO) and several countries across the globe. As the world reels under the threat of rapid increase in the number of cases and is planning strategies with the limited information available on the virus, it is essential to learn from the experience of countries across the globe. Hence, we selected a few countries in five WHO regions based on their COVID 19 caseload, management strategies and outcome and compared some of the important measures taken by them to contain the spread of infection. Strategies like extensive testing and contact tracing, strict quarantine and isolation measures, Hospital preparedness, complete restriction of non-essential travel, strict border control measures and social distancing measures play a vital role in containment of the spread. All the countries faced the novel strain of virus and implemented similar strategies as per the guidance of WHO, but the extent of preparedness, swiftness with which the decisions were made and the scale of measures made the difference.

scholarly journals Corticosteroids for COVID-19 Therapy: Potential Implications on Tuberculosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 3773
Author(s):  
Radha Gopalaswamy ◽  
Selvakumar Subbian
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Health Organization

On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization announced the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a global pandemic, which originated in China. At the host level, COVID-19, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), affects the respiratory system, with the clinical symptoms ranging from mild to severe or critical illness that often requires hospitalization and oxygen support. There is no specific therapy for COVID-19, as is the case for any common viral disease except drugs to reduce the viral load and alleviate the inflammatory symptoms. Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), also primarily affects the lungs and has clinical signs similar to pulmonary SARS-CoV-2 infection. Active TB is a leading killer among infectious diseases and adds to the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. In immunocompetent individuals, primary Mtb infection can also lead to a non-progressive, asymptomatic latency. However, latent Mtb infection (LTBI) can reactivate symptomatic TB disease upon host immune-suppressing conditions. Importantly, the diagnosis and treatment of TB are hampered and admixed with COVID-19 control measures. The US-Center for Disease Control (US-CDC) recommends using antiviral drugs, Remdesivir or corticosteroid (CST), such as dexamethasone either alone or in-combination with specific recommendations for COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization or oxygen support. However, CSTs can cause immunosuppression, besides their anti-inflammatory properties. The altered host immunity during COVID-19, combined with CST therapy, poses a significant risk for new secondary infections and/or reactivation of existing quiescent infections, such as LTBI. This review highlights CST therapy recommendations for COVID-19, various types and mechanisms of action of CSTs, the deadly combination of two respiratory infectious diseases COVID-19 and TB. It also discusses the importance of screening for LTBI to prevent TB reactivation during corticosteroid therapy for COVID-19.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal tract imaging findings in confirmed COVID-19 patients: a non-comparative observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Ahmed Abdelmohsen ◽  
Buthaina M. Alkandari ◽  
Vikash K. Gupta ◽  
Nermeen Elsebaie
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Thoracic Imaging ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic—as declared by the World Health Organization—is a major threatening public health problem. At the time of writing, more than 60,000,000 patients and more than 1,500,000 deaths were recorded worldwide. Besides the classical chest symptoms, gastrointestinal tract-related symptoms were noted, like diarrhea, abdominal distention, and hematochezia, adding more difficulties in the diagnosis of the disease. Although there are many publications evaluated, the thoracic imaging signs and complications of COVID-19, there are few articles—to the best of our knowledge—that evaluated the gastrointestinal tract imaging features and complications related to COVID-19. Results In this retrospective study, positive COVID-19 patients who underwent diagnostic computed tomography (CT) for abdominal complaints along a 3-month duration in a large isolation hospital were evaluated. Strict infection control measures were taken during the CT examinations. The data were reviewed on picture archiving and communications systems with clinical data and laboratory result correlation. Thirty patients (30%) showed gastrointestinal (GI) findings, and 70 patients showed unremarkable or non-related GI findings. The 30 patients were classified into four groups: the ischemic group including 10 patients (10/30: 33.33%), the bleeding group included six patients (6/30: 20%), the inflammatory group included nine patients (9/30: 30%), and fluid-filled bowel group included five patients (5/30: 16.6%). Conclusions COVID-19 should be evaluated as a systemic disease with extra pulmonary highlights. GI imaging should be considered for COVID-19 patients with related suspicious symptoms. Ischemic GI complications were the most common GI findings.

scholarly journals Laboratory diagnosis of SARS

2004 ◽  
Vol 359 (1447) ◽  
pp. 1083-1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bermingham ◽  
P. Heinen ◽  
M. Iturriza-Gómara ◽  
J. Gray ◽  
H. Appleton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Acute Illness ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Human Immune Response ◽  
Human Immune ◽  
Health Organization

The emergence of new viral infections of man requires the development of robust diagnostic tests that can be applied in the differential diagnosis of acute illness, or to determine past exposure, so as to establish the true burden of disease. Since the recognition in April 2003 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS–CoV) as the causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), enormous efforts have been applied to develop molecular and serological tests for SARS which can assist rapid detection of cases, accurate diagnosis of illness and the application of control measures. International progress in the laboratory diagnosis of SARS–CoV infection during acute illness has led to internationally agreed World Health Organization criteria for the confirmation of SARS. Developments in the dissection of the human immune response to SARS indicate that serological tests on convalescent sera are essential to confirm SARS infection, given the sub–optimal predictive value of molecular detection tests performed during acute SARS illness.

scholarly journals Preventing the Spread: A Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Journey to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) During the 2020 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 107327482110171
Author(s):  
Stephanie Carraway ◽  
Stacy Martin ◽  
John N. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Comprehensive Cancer Center ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Cancer Center ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Background: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) a pandemic. Hospitals around the world began to implement infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to stop further spread and prevent infections within their facilities. Healthcare organizations were challenged to develop response plans, procure personal protective equipment (PPE) that was in limited supply while continuing to provide quality, safe care. Methods: As a comprehensive cancer center with immunocompromised patients, our efforts began immediately. Preventative measures were established and, as of September 2020, over 14,000 patients have been tested within the facility. From March 2020 through September 2020, only one case of hospital acquired (HA) COVID-19 was identified among our patients. Two cases of suspected community acquired (SCA) cases were also identified. Following the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, IPC measures were implemented within the facility as information science about the virus developed. This article addresses the IPC measures taken, such as enhancing isolation precautions, implementing screening protocols, disinfecting and reusing N95 respirators, by the center throughout the pandemic as well as the challenges that arouse with a new and emerging infectious disease. Conclusions: The infection control measures implemented at our comprehensive cancer center during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed our center to continue to provide world class cancer care with minimal COVID-19 infection transmission among patients and team members.

scholarly journals Role of Physiotherapy Health Care Professionals in Infection Prevention and Control of COVID -19 – A Pandemic Disease

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 1215-1217
Author(s):  
Jarapla Srinivas Nayak ◽  
Tittu Thomas James ◽  
Shubham Menaria ◽  
Dr. Centina Rose John ◽  
Dr. Dhargave Pradnya
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
And Control ◽  
The City

COVID-19 is a new pandemic disease which was reported initially at the city of Wuhan in the Hubei province ofChina on 31 December 2019. 1Recent events have reported its presence in more than 150 countries and with 132758 confirmed cases and a total of 4955 deaths as on 13th March 2020.2Although the death rate due to the disease is 6% or less, the persons who are affected in a short span of time is at an alarming rate.3 In this context, World Health Organization (WHO) have declared the disease as pandemic on 11th March 2020.

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