scholarly journals Surface contamination of the outer and blister packages of oral anticancer drugs: A multicenter study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-145
Author(s):  
Hisanaga Nomura ◽  
Noriaki Katakura ◽  
Tomoko Morita ◽  
Yoshiyuki Sano ◽  
Hiroaki Usui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Limit ◽  
Anticancer Drugs ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Surface Contamination ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Degree Of Contamination ◽  
The Press ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Wipe Tests

Introduction All guidelines necessitate wearing personal protective equipment during dispensing of oral anticancer drugs. This study aims to measure the degree of contamination on the press-through-package strips of oral anticancer drugs in Japan. Method Surface contamination of the external packaging of anticancer drugs was examined by performing wipe tests at four hospitals and two community pharmacies. The following commercially available drugs were examined: Xeloda®, TS-1®, and methotrexate tablets and SA-1® and Rheumatrex® capsules. Results The wipe tests’ results revealed that the contamination levels of Xeloda® and TS-1® tablets and SA-1® capsules were within their detection limits. In some facilities, the contamination levels on the press-through-package strips of Rheumatrex® capsules were 3.27 × 10−1, which is close to its detection limit. However, across all facilities, the contamination level of methotrexate tablets was above its detection limit. Conclusion The results of this study suggested that adherence to oral anticancer drugs may not occur during manufacture or transportation. However, it may be due to the presence of pollutants in the facilities. Prevention of pollution in facilities might eliminate the need to wear personal protective equipment during dispensing of oral anticancer drugs.

scholarly journals A77 A REUSABLE POLYCARBONATE BOX TO DECREASE DROPLET CONTAMINATION DURING UPPER ENDOSCOPY: A SIMULATION-BASED STUDY FOR THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 43-45
Author(s):  
N Gimpaya ◽  
R Khan ◽  
Z R Gallinger ◽  
M A Scaffidi ◽  
A K Al Abdulqader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Funding Agencies ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Upper Gi Endoscopy ◽  
Lateral Decubitus ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Upper Gastrointestinal ◽  
Risk Categories

Abstract Background Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures are aerosol-generating, increasing the risk of healthcare workers (HCW) contracting Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Aims To present a polycarbonate box (EndoBox) designed for use in upper GI endoscopy and evaluate its impact on the contamination of endoscopy staff during simulated procedures. Methods Simulated gastroscopies were performed using an upper body simulator placed in left lateral decubitus (LLD) and supine positions. The endoscopist and assistant wore personal protective equipment. Droplet exposure was measured using fluorescent abiotic surrogate particles. Two blinded observers independently viewed images from each scenario to qualitatively evaluate contamination levels. The primary outcome was the level of HCW contamination by droplets generated from a simulated cough with and without the EndoBox on the upper body simulator. The endoscopist’s ergonomic behaviour was also assessed using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Results Without the EndoBox, there was a higher level of contamination on the endoscopist when the upper body simulator is in the LLD position. A higher level of contamination was observed on the assistant when the simulator is in supine position. With the EndoBox, the contamination levels on the endoscopy staff were lower in both LLD and supine scenarios. The endoscopist’s ergonomics were rated 2 to 3 on the RULA tool when using the EndoBox. Conclusions The EndoBox reduces macroscopic droplet contamination during simulated gastroscopy. The endoscopist’s risk of musculoskeletal injury remained in the low risk categories as assessed by the RULA tool. Another advantage of the EndoBox design is the arch extending from the bottom that allows for removal of the box without withdrawing the endoscope. This enables rapid access to the patient’s airway if they experience respiratory distress. This study was limited by an inability to assess microscopic contamination and contamination at the level of the port or buttons when suction is applied. Within these limitations, the EndoBox may be a useful adjunct to traditional personal protective equipment. Funding Agencies SMHA AFP COVID-Related Innovation Funds

scholarly journals Human Factors Considerations in Using Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context: A Multinational Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avi Parush ◽  
Oren Wacht ◽  
Ricardo Gomes ◽  
Amit Frenkel
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Human Factors ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Level 1 ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Effective Use

BACKGROUND Full personal protective equipment (level 1 PPE) is used in various domains and contexts. Prior research has shown positive influences of such equipment on performance, comfort, and contamination levels. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a pervasive requirement of PPE, with little preparation, rushed deployment, inadequate time for training, and massive use by personnel who are inexperienced or not qualified in its effective use. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the key human factors: physical and ergonomic, perceptual and cognitive, that influence the use of level 1 PPE when attending to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. METHODS The research approach consisted of a short survey disseminated to healthcare professionals in two countries, Israel and Portugal, with similar demographics and healthcare systems. The survey included 10 items with a 5-point Likert Scale, regarding the key human factors involved in level 1 PPE, as identified in prior research. RESULTS A total of 722 respondents from Israel and 301 respondents from Portugal were included in the analysis. All the respondents reported using level 1 PPE with COVID-19 patients in the range of several hours daily to several hours weekly. Cronbach’s alpha was .73 for Israel, and .75 for Portugal. Responses showed high levels of difficulty, with medians of 4 for items related to discomfort, hearing and seeing, and doffing. A factor analysis conducted with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test result for sampling adequacy yielded 0.75 for the Israeli sample and .77 for the Portuguese sample. This indicates suitability of the data for factor analysis. The analysis showed a strong primary factor including difficulties in hearing, understanding speech, and understanding the surroundings, all with factor loadings higher than .6. A subsequent mediation analysis showed an association of PPE discomfort with situational awareness (P<.01), but this association was mediated by difficulties in hearing and understanding speech, which reflect difficulties in communication. CONCLUSIONS In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic is paving the way for updating PPE design. The use of already deployed technology affords ample opportunities to improve, adapt, and overcome caveats. The findings here suggest that the use of level 1 PPE with COVID-19 patients has perceptual and cognitive effects, in addition to physical and ergonomic influences. Efforts should be taken to mitigate harmful effects of such influences, both regarding the performance of medical actions and the risk of contamination to healthcare workers. Such efforts involve the design of PPE, training staff in using the equipment, and effective communication and teamwork protocols.

Potential Risks of a Widespread Use of 3D Printing for the Manufacturing of Face Masks during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sven Duda ◽  
Sascha Hartig ◽  
Karola Hagner ◽  
Lisa Meyer ◽  
Paula Wessling Intriago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Technical Feasibility ◽  
The Press ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Potential Risks

Background In 2020 the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused serious concerns about the availability of face masks. This paper studies the technical feasibility of user specific face mask production by 3D printing and the effectiveness of these masks. Material and Methods Six different face mask designs were produced by 3D printing and tested by subjective experimenter evaluation and using a respirator fit testing kit. Results were compared to the requirements as given for standard protective face masks. Results None of the printed masks came anywhere near the required standards for personal protective gear.ConclusionIn spite of their euphoric presentation in the press, none of the currently advertised 3D printed mask designs are suitable as reliable personal protective equipment.

Impact of COVID-19 on Nuclear Medicine in Germany, Austria and Switzerland: An International Survey in April 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (04) ◽  
pp. 294-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutz S. Freudenberg ◽  
Ulf Dittmer ◽  
Ken Herrmann
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Medicine ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Diagnostic Procedures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Public Versus Private ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Preparations of health systems to accommodate large number of severely ill COVID-19 patients in March/April 2020 has a significant impact on nuclear medicine departments. Materials and Methods A web-based questionnaire was designed to differentiate the impact of the pandemic on inpatient and outpatient nuclear medicine operations and on public versus private health systems, respectively. Questions were addressing the following issues: impact on nuclear medicine diagnostics and therapy, use of recommendations, personal protective equipment, and organizational adaptations. The survey was available for 6 days and closed on April 20, 2020. Results 113 complete responses were recorded. Nearly all participants (97 %) report a decline of nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures. The mean reduction in the last three weeks for PET/CT, scintigraphies of bone, myocardium, lung thyroid, sentinel lymph-node are –14.4 %, –47.2 %, –47.5 %, –40.7 %, –58.4 %, and –25.2 % respectively. Furthermore, 76 % of the participants report a reduction in therapies especially for benign thyroid disease (-41.8 %) and radiosynoviorthesis (–53.8 %) while tumor therapies remained mainly stable. 48 % of the participants report a shortage of personal protective equipment. Conclusions Nuclear medicine services are notably reduced 3 weeks after the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic reached Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a large scale. We must be aware that the current crisis will also have a significant economic impact on the healthcare system. As the survey cannot adapt to daily dynamic changes in priorities, it serves as a first snapshot requiring follow-up studies and comparisons with other countries and regions.

Infectious safety of nursing staff in departments (offices) functional diagnostics in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 30-33
Author(s):  
E. V. Panina ◽  
M. V. Pugachev ◽  
A. G. Shchesiu
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Medical Waste ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Functional Diagnostics ◽  
Prevention Of Infections ◽  
Epidemiological Situation

The article shows that in the daily activities of nursing staff of functional diagnostics departments (offices), it is necessary to strictly observe the requirements and rules for the prevention of infections associated with medical care, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The types of personal protective equipment (PPE) of medical personnel (MP), as well as current effective methods of disinfection, rules for collecting medical waste in a complex epidemiological situation are presented.

Recomendações de equipamentos de proteção individual no combate ao COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (31) ◽  
pp. 87-95
Author(s):  
Nicole Maria Miyamoto Bettini ◽  
Fabiana Tomé Ramos ◽  
Priscila Masquetto Vieira de Almeida
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Effective Strategy ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

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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