scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Transmission in a Dental Practice in Spain: After the Outbreak

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shashi Dadlani

The World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020, due to a virus named SARS-CoV-2 discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Many countries have been hit hard including Spain, with the highest number of healthcare workers being infected (>50,000). A lack of personal protective equipment and protocols at the time of the outbreak led to many fatalities. Although few of these healthcare workers are dental professionals, this community required protective measures as well. Fortunately, there are no reported cases of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in dental practices. Dental professionals were advised only to treat dental emergencies, and such cases were screened via telephone to maintain social distancing. Nevertheless, new protocols and measures are needed as dental professionals return to normal practice after weeks of confinement in many countries. Relatively, few articles have discussed the management of dental practice during the SARS-CoV-2 with no known articles on postpandemic outbreak guidelines. Though some protocols and measures are the same, there are also many differences. Here, we describe protocols and measures for dental practice in Spain in accordance with the Spanish Health Ministry.

Author(s):  
Radomir Reszke ◽  
Łukasz Matusiak ◽  
Piotr K. Krajewski ◽  
Marta Szepietowska ◽  
Rafał Białynicki-Birula ◽  
...  

Relevant personal protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic include face masks, possibly decreasing the risk of infection among the general population and healthcare workers (HCW) if utilized properly. The aim of the study was to assess whether different Polish HCW utilize face masks according to the 2020 World Health Organization guidance (WHO) criteria. This cross-sectional study included 1156 respondents who participated in an internet survey evaluating mask-related behaviors. All the WHO criteria were complied with by 1.4% of participants, regardless of medical profession, specialty or place of employment. HCW mostly adhered to criterion 1 (C1; strict covering of the face and mouth with the mask; 90.8%), C4 (washing/disinfecting the hands after touching/taking off the mask; 49%) and C3 (taking off the mask properly without touching the anterior surface; 43.4%), whereas C2 (avoidance of touching the mask with hands) was complied with least commonly (6.8%). HCW with mask-induced itch (31.6%) complied to C2 less often (odds ratio 0.53; p = 0.01). The study reveals that Polish HCW rarely adhere to all the 2020 WHO guidance criteria on the use of masks, whereas the adherence to particular criteria is variable and may be associated with the presence of skin-related conditions and other factors. Better compliance with the recommendations in the future is necessary to increase personal safety of HCW and prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (10) ◽  
pp. 1733-1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Musab Khalil ◽  
Md Mashiul Alam ◽  
Mostafa Kamal Arefin ◽  
Mamunur Rashid Chowdhury ◽  
Muhammad Rezeul Huq ◽  
...  

Abstract This study aims to determine the role of personal protective measures in the prevention of COVID-19 spread among the physicians working at different health facilities in Bangladesh. This hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted from May to June 2020. A total of 98 COVID-19 positive physicians and 92 COVID-19 negative physicians (physicians with no symptoms of COVID-19 or who tested negative) were enrolled. The questionnaire was adapted from a tool developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for risk assessment and management of exposure of healthcare workers in the context of COVID-19. Data were collected from the respondents online using Google forms. There was no significant difference in baseline information between COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative physicians. The physicians, who were unaware of direct participation in COVID-19 patient care, had higher odds of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 4.018; CI: 1.532–10.535). Additionally, the physicians, who were unaware of the COVID-19 status while performing the aerosol-generated procedure (AGP), had a higher chance of being COVID-19 positive (OR = 2.522; CI: 1.020–6.233). Using face shields/goggles (OR = 0.437; CI:0.228–0.837) and regular decontamination of the patient’s surroundings (OR = 0.392; CI:0.176–0.873) while usual take care of patients and use of N95 masks while performing AGP (OR = 0.372; CI:0.159–0.873) had protective roles against COVID-19 among the physicians. The physicians who had reused the medical gown had two times more chances of being tested positive for COVID-19 than those who had not reused it (OR = 2.3; CI:1.251–4.259). The use of face shields/goggles and N95 masks and decontamination of the patient’s surroundings may give protection against COVID-19. Additionally, reusing medical gowns should be avoided as much as possible.


Author(s):  
Naseer Ahmed

Background: December 2019, marked the beginning of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) from China (Wuhan), which hit the general population and healthcare systems, worldwide, as a pandemic. Karachi reported the first case of COVID-19 on February 26 2020 in a student returning from Iran. Currently, World Health Organization has put forward specific guidelines for dental practitioners. The primary objective of the study was to determine the practices of dental practitioners in Karachi in following the standard guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Methods: In this, cross sectional questionnaire-based study, we have collected data from 111 dental practices through random sampling for analysis across Karachi, Pakistan. Structured questionnaire was designed comprising questions regarding knowledge, equipment, financial burden and procedures performed. Using SPSS version 25, descriptive analysis was executed on these variables. A multiple regression test was used to detect any relationship between them. Results: Majority (55.3%) of the dentists were found aware of the standard guidelines regarding dental practices and treatment of patients during COVID-19 outbreak but implementation in practice has been a major dilemma. Shortage of equipments as well as financial crisis was the main causative factors. Non-emergency procedures (5%) are being performed as well as inadequate protective measures are being adapted. Conclusion: According to the world standards, dental practices in Karachi should follow the standard guidelines put forward by world-renowned health organizations. Majority (p=0.44) of the dentists are aware of the standard guidelines, but lack of resources and financial instability are the primary factors affecting their dental practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sausan Al Kawas ◽  
Natheer Al-Rawi ◽  
Wael Talaat ◽  
Zaid Hamdoon ◽  
Basheer Salman ◽  
...  

Abstract Resuming regular clinical activities at dental premises after the COVID-19 lockdown period or post COVID-19 is likely to be a challenge for all dental institutes. When returning to the dental practice or training, staff and students alike should abide by the new rules and regulations. In the process of controlling viral spread, clinical dental facilities face a higher risk of disease transmission among patients as well as clinical and non-clinical staff. Aerosols formation and diffusion into the surrounding air can be a real concern of viral transmission, if no protective measures are established. We aim in this review to present the currently implemented measures and propose changes in clinical dental facilities to minimize the risk of transmission. Dental professionals should be prepared to treat every patient as a suspected COVID-19 carrier and be ready to receive and manage an overwhelming number of patients. We suggest that dental practices establish a sensible workforce shift schedule, improve ventilation levels, reduce dental aerosol generating procedures, and develop a comprehensive guidance to Healthcare Workers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.


BDJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariam Mohsen Aly ◽  
Marwa Aly Elchaghaby

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the fear of infection among Egyptian dentists practicing during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to explore the dentist’s knowledge about guidelines to fight the virus and to assess various modifications in dental practice. Methods An online survey was submitted to dental professionals. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire consisting of 23 closed-ended questions. The gathered data were statistically analyzed. Results An overall 216 dentists completed the survey. A total of 200 (92.6%) dental professionals were afraid of becoming infected with COVID-19 while 196 (90.7%) became anxious to treat patients showing suspicious symptoms. The majority of the participants were aware of the mode of transmission of COVID-19 and a lot of them were updated with the current Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for cross-infection control. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on dental professionals.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hatice İkiışık ◽  
Yasemin Çağ ◽  
Mehmet Akif Sezerol ◽  
Aral Surmeli ◽  
Yusuf Taşçı ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Global pandemic of novel Coronavirus Disease (SARS- COV-2) has spread across all continents and infected almost 80 million people. Since it is a novel disease, unknowns about the disease characteristic, treatment and length of immunity still persist. This study aims to characterize reinfection, personal protective equipment use and disease progress in healthcare workers in İstanbul. Methods: 23 healthcare workers who had confirmed negative PCR results after infection and another positivity later were questioned about both infection progress, their symptoms and treatment through an online questionnaire. Results: While the symptoms during both courses did not change drastically, 73.9% were treated as outpatient during the first infection while all but one (95.7%) were treated as such during second time around. Median time between two infections were 106 days. All participants were cleared of disease and none had to be treated in intensive care unit. Conclusion: Use of personal protective equipment was found subpar compared to World Health Organization recommendations. This is the first study from Turkey characterizing reinfected cases in healthcare workers.


Author(s):  
Rami AL Edwan

Background: The healthcare workers are exposed to dangerous pathogen agents during the outbreak of the new coronavirus COVID-19. To minimize the risk of becoming infected by this virus, healthcare workers need to wear the most appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the guidelines that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for the rational use of EPP to protect healthcare workers against the novel coronavirus COVID-19.Methodology: To learn how to effectively protect healthcare workers against the COVID-19, a detailed analysis and comparison of the WHO and CDC guidelines related to the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) in different healthcare settings was carried out. Results: The results of this study based on an analysis of PPE recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that the safety and protection of healthcare workers can be maximized if the guidelines suggested by these institutions are followed. In general, the WHO and CDC recommendations based on medical practices are similar, and depending on the healthcare activities and settings where the healthcare workers perform their work, suggest wearing medical/surgical facemasks, respirators, googles and face shields (eye protection), gloves, gowns and aprons. Conclusions: The protection and safety of the healthcare workers can be maximized during the outbreak of COVID-19 by following the WHO and CDC recommendations described in this study. The general guidelines offered by these institutions are similar and based on medical practices.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Selda MERT ◽  
Ayfer PEKER KARATOPRAK ◽  
Yeliz DEMİRHAN ◽  
Canan BAYDEMİR ◽  
Berrin ÇETİNARSLAN ◽  
...  

Abstract Object: To investigate the effect of anxiety and hopelessness on the quality of life of healthcare workers.Methods: This cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between August 31 - September 30, 2020, with 729 healthcare workers in Turkey. The Sociodemographic Information Form, the Turkish version of the Shorter Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF-TR), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I) and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) were used for data collection.Results: The study showed that hopelessness, the weekly working time, fatigue, and the workload experienced by healthcare workers negatively affected their quality of life, and those who needed knowledge on various issues to improve their skills had lower quality of life and higher anxiety and hopelessness levels. Conclusion: Protective measures should be taken for the health of healthcare workers against the adverse effects of the intense anxiety, hopelessness, and workload during the pandemic period. To achieve sustainable success in the provision of health services, healthcare workers must be psychologically healthy. Therefore, taking protective measures to improve the resilience of healthcare workers in all health-related areas should be a priority.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 569-571
Author(s):  
Richa Nepal ◽  
Bharosha Bhattarai

With advent of community transmission of COVID-19 in Nepal, the number of cases continues to rise and poses threat to the fragile health system of our country. ‘Trace, isolate, test and treat’ is the strategy advocated by World Health Organization to fight against COVID-19. Despite the efforts for last nine months, Nepal lacks in some aspect of this strategy. Lack of prompt testing facilities and substandard quarantine and isolation centers, have led to mismanagement of cases. The panic regarding COVID-19, lack of adequate protective measures to healthcare workers in early stage of the pandemic, and nation-wise lockdown, has led to collateral damage in the form of increased morbidity and mortality due to non-COVID related illnesses. COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered the grim reality of the debilitated health system of our country. With mass influx of Nepali migrant workers, the epidemic is expected to grow exponentially. We need to understand that the health system of Nepal must be prepared to function to its maximum capacity in the coming days. Keywords: COVID-19; health; Nepal; pandemic


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
Nicole Maria Miyamoto Bettini ◽  
Fabiana Tomé Ramos ◽  
Priscila Masquetto Vieira de Almeida

A Organização Mundial da Saúde - OMS confirmou a circulação internacional do novo Coronavírus em janeiro de 2020, nomeando-o como COVID-19 e, declarando uma pandemia. É de extrema importância que durante a pandemia, os profissionais de saúde tenham acesso e conhecimento sobre o uso correto dos Equipamentos de Proteção Individual (EPIs) e suas indicações, tomando assim, as devidas precauções na prevenção de infecções. O presente estudo buscou identificar a padronização mundial quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a pacientes suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19 no Brasil, EUA, China, Espanha, Itália e demais países europeus. Os guidelines apresentam a padronização quanto ao uso dos EPIs utilizados no atendimento a suspeitos e/ou confirmados de COVID-19, indo ao encontro das recomendações fornecidas pela OMS. Até o momento, o uso de EPIs é sem dúvida a estratégia mais importante e eficaz para proteger os profissionais de saúde durante a assistência ao paciente com COVID-19.Descritores: Infecções por Coronavírus, Equipamento de Proteção Individual, Pessoal de Saúde, Enfermagem. Recommendations for personal protective equipment to combat COVID-19Abstract: The World Health Organization - WHO confirmed the international circulation of the new Coronavirus in January 2020, naming it as COVID-19 and declaring a pandemic. It is extremely important that during the pandemic, health professionals have access and knowledge about the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and its indications, thus taking appropriate precautions to prevent infections. The present study sought to identify the worldwide standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed patients with COVID-19 in Brazil, USA, China, Spain, Italy and other European countries. The guidelines present a standardization regarding the use of PPE utilized to take care of suspected and confirmed with COVID-19, in line with the recommendations provided by WHO. To date, the use of PPE is undoubtedly the most important and effective strategy to protect healthcare professionals during care for patients with COVID-19.Descriptors: Coronavirus Infections, Personal Protective Equipment, Health Personnel, Nursing. Recomendaciones para el equipo de protección personal para combatir COVID-19Resumen: La Organización Mundial de la Salud - La OMS confirmó la circulación internacional del nuevo Coronavirus en enero de 2020, nombrándolo COVID-19 y declarando una pandemia. Es extremadamente importante que durante la pandemia, los profesionales de la salud tengan acceso y conocimiento sobre el uso correcto del Equipo de Protección Personal (EPP) y sus indicaciones, tomando así las precauciones adecuadas para prevenir infecciones. El presente estudio buscó identificar la estandarización mundial con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para atender a pacientes sospechosos y/o confirmados con COVID-19 en Brasil, Estados Unidos, China, España, Italia y otros países europeos. Las pautas presentan la estandarización con respecto al uso de EPP utilizado para cuidar COVID-19 sospechoso y/o confirmado, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones proporcionadas por la OMS. Hasta la fecha, el uso de EPP es, sin duda, la estrategia más importante y efectiva para proteger a los profesionales de la salud durante la atención de pacientes con COVID-19.Descriptores: Infecciones por Coronavirus, Equipo de Protección Personal, Personal de Salud, Enfermería.


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