scholarly journals Battling the COVID-19 Pandemic: Is Bangladesh Prepared?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasinur Rahaman Khan ◽  
Tamanna Howlader ◽  
Md. Mazharul Islam
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Spatial Cluster ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Hospital Capacity ◽  
Order Polynomial ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Following detection of the first few COVID-19 cases in early March, Bangladesh has stepped up its efforts to strengthen capacity of the healthcare system to avert a crisis in the event of a surge in the number of cases. This paper sheds light on the preparedness of the healthcare system by examining the spatial distribution of isolation beds across districts and divisions, forecasting the number of ICU units that may be required in the short term and analyzing the availability of frontline healthcare workers to combat the pandemic. As of May 2, COVID-19 cases have been found in 61 of the 64 districts in Bangladesh with Dhaka District being the epicenter. Seventy-one percent of the cases have been identified in 6 neighboring districts, namely, Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Narsingdi, Munsiganj and Kishoreganj, which appear to form a spatial cluster. However, if one takes into account the population at risk, the prevalence appears to be highest in Dhaka, followed by Narayanganj, Gazipur, Kishorganj, Narsingdi and Munshiganj. These regions may therefore be flagged as the COVID-19 hotspots in Bangladesh. Among the eight divisions, prevalence is highest in Dhaka Division followed by Mymensingh. The number of cases per million exceeds the number of available isolation beds per million in the major hotspots indicating that there is a risk of the healthcare system becoming overwhelmed should the number of cases rise. This is especially true for Dhaka Division, where the ratio of COVID-19 patients to doctors appears to be alarmingly high. Mymensingh Division also has a disproportionately small number of doctors relative to the number of COVID-19 patients. Using second order polynomial regression, the analysis predicts that even if all ICU beds are allocated to COVID-19 patients, Bangladesh may run out of ICU beds soon after May 15, 2020. We conclude that in spite of a significant increase in hospital capacity during 2005-15 and a 57 % rise in the number of doctors during the same period, the healthcare system in Bangladesh and Dhaka Division in particular, may not be fully prepared to handle the COVID-19 crisis. Thus, further steps need to be taken to flatten the curve and improve healthcare capacity.

scholarly journals Documenting Response To COVID-Individual and Systems Successes and Challenges: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Shaukat ◽  
Daniyal Mansoor Ali ◽  
Butool Hisam ◽  
Sheza Hassan ◽  
Rubina Barolia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
System Level ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Future ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background This feasibility study aimed to assess the use of WhatsApp for qualitative data collection to document the evolution of perceptions of frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) regarding their wellbeing and the quality of health systems' response to the COVID-19 pandemic over four months. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal qualitative study conducted during the four months coinciding with the peak and trough of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (June-September 2020). We approached frontline healthcare workers (physicians and nurses working in emergency departments) in two hospitals using the WhatsApp group of the Pakistan Society of Emergency Physicians (PSEM). We introduced the study and obtained consent using a google consent form. Each participant was asked to self-record their perception of their personal wellness and their level of satisfaction with the quality of their hospitals' response to the pandemic. Each participant sent their voice notes/audio-recording to a central WhatsApp number. We transcribed and analysed the recordings and identified themes and sub-themes, and the changes to these themes over six months. Results We invited approximately 200 FHCWs associated with PSEM to participate in the study. Of the 61 who agreed to participate, 27 completed the study. A total of 149 audio recordings were received and transcribed. Three themes and eight sub-themes have emerged from the data. The themes were individual-level challenges, health system-level challenges, and hope for the future. Sub-themes for individual-level challenges were: fear of getting or transmitting infection, financial stressors, stress due to turning away those patients who need care, anxiety due to the general public's lack of compliance with preventive measures, physical exhaustion, and fatigue. For the healthcare system, sub-themes were: issues with logistics and management of the hospital/healthcare system and lack of focus on providing air conditioning to address heat due to PPEs and sub-themes under hope for the future were the improved disease knowledge and vaccine development. Conclusion Despite a lower level of completion, our study identified possible use of a ubiquitously available mobile app to collect longitudinal real-time data from FHCWs during the initial period of the pandemic. The overall perceptions and experiences of FHCWs evolved from negative to positive as the curve of COVID-19 went down.

scholarly journals Documenting Response To COVID-Individual and Systems Successes and Challenges: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natasha Shaukat ◽  
Daniyal Mansoor Ali ◽  
Butool Hisam ◽  
Sheza Hassan ◽  
Rubina Barolia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Mobile App ◽  
System Level ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
The Future ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Background This feasibility study aimed to assess the use of WhatsApp for qualitative data collection to document the evolution of perceptions of frontline healthcare workers (FHCW) regarding their wellbeing and the quality of health systems' response to the COVID-19 pandemic over four months. Methods This was a prospective longitudinal qualitative study conducted during the four months coinciding with the peak and trough of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (June-September 2020). We approached frontline healthcare workers (physicians and nurses working in emergency departments) in two hospitals using the WhatsApp group of the Pakistan Society of Emergency Physicians (PSEM). We introduced the study and obtained consent using a google consent form. Each participant was asked to self-record their perception of their personal wellness and their level of satisfaction with the quality of their hospitals' response to the pandemic. Each participant sent their voice notes/audio-recording to a central WhatsApp number. We transcribed and analysed the recordings and identified themes and sub-themes, and the changes to these themes over six months. Results We invited approximately 200 FHCWs associated with PSEM to participate in the study. Of the 61 who agreed to participate, 27 completed the study. A total of 149 audio recordings were received and transcribed. Three themes and eight sub-themes have emerged from the data. The themes were individual-level challenges, health system-level challenges, and hope for the future. Sub-themes for individual-level challenges were: fear of getting or transmitting infection, financial stressors, stress due to turning away those patients who need care, anxiety due to the general public's lack of compliance with preventive measures, physical exhaustion, and fatigue. For the healthcare system, sub-themes were: issues with logistics and management of the hospital/healthcare system and lack of focus on providing air conditioning to address heat due to PPEs and sub-themes under hope for the future were the improved disease knowledge and vaccine development. Conclusion Despite a lower level of completion, our study identified possible use of a ubiquitously available mobile app to collect longitudinal real-time data from FHCWs during the initial period of the pandemic. The overall perceptions and experiences of FHCWs evolved from negative to positive as the curve of COVID-19 went down.

scholarly journals Symptomatic recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers recovered from COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (01) ◽  
pp. 69-72
Author(s):  
Serkan Atici ◽  
Ömer Faruk Ek ◽  
Mehmet Siddik Yildiz ◽  
Mehmet Mahfuz Şikgenç ◽  
Efraim Güzel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Acquired Immunity ◽  
Risk Of Recurrence ◽  
Symptomatic Recurrence ◽  
System Collapse ◽  
Protection Period

There is rising concern that patients who recover from COVID-19 may be at risk of recurrence. Increased rates of infection and recurrence in healthcare workers could cause the healthcare system collapse and a further worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we reported the clinically symptomatic recurrent COVID-19 cases in the two healthcare workers who treated and recovered from symptomatic and laboratory confirmed COVID-19. We discuss important questions in the COVID-19 pandemic waiting to be answered, such as the protection period of the acquired immunity, the severity of recurrence and how long after the first infection occurs. We aimed to emphasize that healthcare workers should continue to pay maximum attention to the measures without compromising.

scholarly journals Multisensory, Nature-Inspired Recharge Rooms Yield Short-Term Reductions in Perceived Stress Among Frontline Healthcare Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Putrino ◽  
Jonathan Ripp ◽  
Joseph E. Herrera ◽  
Mar Cortes ◽  
Christopher Kellner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Additional Stress ◽  
Short Term ◽  
General Utility ◽  
Neuroscience Research ◽  
Healthcare Crisis ◽  
Net Promoter ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

We are currently facing global healthcare crisis that has placed unprecedented stress on healthcare workers as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is imperative that we develop novel tools to assist healthcare workers in dealing with the significant additional stress and trauma that has arisen as a result of the pandemic. Based in research on the effects of immersive environments on mood, a neuroscience research laboratory was rapidly repurposed using commercially available technologies and materials to create a nature-inspired relaxation space. Frontline healthcare workers were invited to book 15-min experiences in the Recharge Room before, during or after their shifts, where they were exposed to the immersive, multisensory experience 496 Recharge Room users (out of a total of 562) completed a short survey about their experience during an unselected, consecutive 14-day period. Average self-reported stress levels prior to entering the Recharge Room were 4.58/6 (±1.1). After a single 15-min experience in the Recharge Room, the average user-reported stress level was significantly reduced 1.85/6 (±1.2; p < 0.001; paired t-test). Net Promoter Score for the experience was 99.3%. Recharge Rooms such as those described here produce significant short-term reductions in perceived stress, and users find them highly enjoyable. These rooms may be of general utility in high-stress healthcare environments.

Listening and learning from the COVID-19 frontline in one US healthcare system

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise M. Cumberland ◽  
Andrea D. Ellinger ◽  
Tyra G. Deckard
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Professional Lives ◽  
Frontline Employees ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Administrative Functions ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

PurposeThe on-going COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted healthcare systems worldwide. Understanding the perspectives and insights of frontline healthcare workers caring for and interacting with patients with COVID-19 represents a timely, topical, and important area of research. The purpose of this qualitative action research study was to assist one US healthcare system that has an expansive footprint with the implementation of a needs assessment among its frontline healthcare workers. The leadership within this healthcare system wanted to obtain a deeper understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic was impacting the personal and professional lives of its workers. Further, the organisation wanted to solicit employees’ feedback about what they needed, understand the issues they were facing, and solicit their ideas to help the organisation know where to take action.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research employed 45 focus groups, referred to as virtual listening calls (LCs) in this organisation, which were held over a four-week period. A total of 241 nursing staff, representing healthcare facilities across the country, attended 26 of the LCs. A total of 19 LCs were held with 116 healthcare workers who are employed in other clinical roles (e.g. therapists) or administrative functions.FindingsExtending beyond the available research at the time, this study was initiated from within a US healthcare system and informed by the frontline healthcare employees who participated in the LCs, the findings of this study include the perspectives of both nursing and other healthcare workers, the latter of which have not received considerable attention. The findings underscore that the COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the personal and professional lives of all of these healthcare workers and has exacted an emotional toll as noted in other studies. However, this study also highlights the importance of listening to employees’ concerns, but more importantly, their recommendations for improving their experiences. Notably, the organisation is in the midst of making changes to address these frontline workers’ needs.Originality/valueThe study, inclusive of nursing and other healthcare staff, demonstrates how an organisation can adapt to a crisis by listening and learning from its frontline employees.

Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Frontline Healthcare Workers in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quratul-Ain Zafar
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Impact ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline healthcare workers in Pakistan in terms of psychological factors emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at different hospitals across Pakistan and data collection was carried out from 15th June 2020 till 15th August 2020. Material and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based study aiming to compare the levels of burnout and emotional distress between frontline COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 healthcare workers. Any physician, nurse, and other healthcare workers were recruited from emergency care units and Covid-19 care units (target group), and non-COVID-19 care units (control group). Participation was voluntary and participants had to complete self-reported questionnaires and scales. A mixed-mode data collection was carried out, either in paper or web-based form to ensure maximum participation. Results: The independent t-test showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding depression, stress, and insomnia. The study group showed higher scores for these factors than the control group. Chi-square test of association revealed significant scores of burnout and professional fulfillment in both groups. There was a higher prevalence of burnout in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: This study concludes that there was a significant psychosocial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the frontline healthcare workers measured in terms of emotional distress, insomnia, and burnout.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 835
Author(s):  
Mohammed Noushad ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽  
Anas B. Alsalhani ◽  
Pradeep Koppolu ◽  
Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Positive Sign ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Public Health Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.

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

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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