scholarly journals Otology practice during COVID-19 era: a review of current practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Moustafa M. Dawoud
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Steroid ◽  
Main Body ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Theater Time ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Effective Service

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus started as an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019.The outbreak was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 12 March 2020. The virus is called SARS-CoV-2, and the virus-induced disease is called COVID-19. The infection spreads via droplets or direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Airborne transmission occurs during aerosol-generating procedures on patients. Many otologic procedures are considered AGPs and therefore require precautions to protect staff and patients and minimize transmission of the disease. Main body Outpatient otology activity has seen changes, including virtual clinics and limitation of face-to-face consultations, to ensure safety. Powered instrumentation should be avoided during surgical procedures unless necessary or replaced with other tools, and if performed, enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) examination is recommended for any patient with full PPE in place except for consultations done without examination. Systemic steroid administration for treating conditions such as Bell’s palsy and sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be discussed with both the patient and infectious diseases specialist to weigh risks against benefits. Triaging of patients and prioritization is unavoidable during the pandemic and even after due to the limitations of clinic and theater time. All emergency/urgent cases are considered potentially COVID-19 positive. For the semi-urgent and all elective cases, COVID-19 testing 48 h prior to surgery, strict quarantine awaiting test results, and repeat testing on day of surgery if rapid tests are available are the precautions suggested. Different measures should be in place to minimize staff potential exposure intraoperatively. Conclusions Otology practice has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Various measures are in place to ensure the delivery of safe and effective service for patients and health care workers.

scholarly journals An outline of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the complement cascade of immune system

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Padmalochan Hembram
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Main Body ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Transmission Chain ◽  
The World ◽  
Therapeutic Molecules ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 19 is a viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first notified in Wuhan, China, is now spread into numerous part of the world. Thus, the world needs urgent support and encouragement to develop a vaccine or antiviral treatments to combat the atrocious outbreak. Main body of the abstract The origin of this virus is yet unknown; however, rapid transmission from human-to-human “Anthroponosis” has widely confirmed. The world is witnessing a continuous hike in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19, we have aimed to highlight the basic and vital information about the novel coronavirus. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, timeline and its pathophysiological properties which would be an aid for the development of therapeutic molecules and antiviral drugs. Immune system plays a crucial role in virus infection in order to control but may have dark side when becomes uncontrollable. The host and SARS-CoV-2 interaction describe how the virus exploits host machinery and how overactive host immune response can cause disease severity also addressed in this review. Short conclusion Safe and effective vaccines may be the game-changing tools, but in the near future wearing mask, washing hands at regular intervals, avoiding crowed, maintaining physical distancing and hygienic surrounding, must be good practices to reduce and break the transmission chain. Still, research is ongoing not only on how vaccines protect against disease, but also against infection and transmission.

scholarly journals Prehospital identification of Covid-19: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Spangler ◽  
Hans Blomberg ◽  
David Smekal
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Primary Hospital ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Rule Out ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has affected prehospital care systems across the world, but the prehospital presentation of affected patients and the extent to which prehospital care providers are able to identify them is not well characterized. In this study, we describe the presentation of Covid-19 patients in a Swedish prehospital care system, and asses the predictive value of Covid-19 suspicion as documented by dispatch and ambulance nurses. Methods Data for all patients with dispatch, ambulance, and hospital records between January 1–August 31, 2020 were extracted. A descriptive statistical analysis of patients with and without hospital-confirmed Covid-19 was performed. In a subset of records beginning from April 14, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of documented Covid-19 suspicion in dispatch and ambulance patient care records. Results A total of 11,894 prehospital records were included, of which 481 had a primary hospital diagnosis code related to-, or positive test results for Covid-19. Covid-19-positive patients had considerably worse outcomes than patients with negative test results, with 30-day mortality rates of 24% vs 11%, but lower levels of prehospital acuity (e.g. emergent transport rates of 14% vs 22%). About half (46%) of Covid-19-positive patients presented to dispatchers with primary complaints typically associated with Covid-19. Six thousand seven hundred seventy-six records were included in the assessment of predictive value. Sensitivity was 76% (95% CI 71–80) and 82% (78–86) for dispatch and ambulance suspicion respectively, while specificities were 86% (85–87) and 78% (77–79). Conclusions While prehospital suspicion was strongly indicative of hospital-confirmed Covid-19, based on the sensitivity identified in this study, prehospital suspicion should not be relied upon as a single factor to rule out the need for isolation precautions. The data provided may be used to develop improved guidelines for identifying Covid-19 patients in the prehospital setting.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Future Challenges and Recommendations for Dental Settings

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. RV1-RV5
Author(s):  
Najmus Sahar ◽  
Pradeep Tangade ◽  
Vikas Singh ◽  
Surbhi Priyadarshini ◽  
Debashis Roy
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Review Article ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus outbreak is a contagious disease affecting the countries around the world. The quick advancing nature of pandemic has gripped the entire community making it a public health emergency. Infection control preventive measures are necessary to prevent it from further spreading. Medical practitioners, health care workers and Dentists are at high risk of acquiring and transmission of infection. The virus transmission occurs through respiratory tract, aerosols and droplets. Clinical manifestations of virus vary from mild to severe sickness. This review article mainly emphasizes on all the information collected to date on the virus, and future recommendations for dental settings to manage the further spread of this virus.

scholarly journals The impact of novel COVID-19 initial pandemic on orthopedic healthcare: an experience from a single institution of South Korea

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (11) ◽  
pp. 778-787
Author(s):  
Gun Woo Lee ◽  
Gi Beom Kim ◽  
In Jun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Staff ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Preventive Surgery ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Cancellation Rate ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: This study was to investigate the cancellation rate and trend of orthopedic surgeries during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Moreover, we assessed the psychologic status of orthopedic healthcare workers, and investigated the details of the preventive surgeries underwent in COVID-19-positive patients.Methods: For 3 months after January 20, 2020, cancellation rates of elective surgeries were investigated, and the number of elective surgeries conducted in the same period over the last two years was compared. Four different questionnaires were used to investigate psychologic status among the orthopedic health care workers. We compared the outcomes according to occupation (physician or nurse), and type of work (faculty staff or resident physician). Outcomes according to occupation and type of work were compared. Preventive surgeries underwent in patients who could not wait for the results of the COVID-19 diagnosis were investigated.Results: Spine and hip surgery had relatively lower cancellation rates, and elective surgeries were significantly reduced. During the initial pandemic, the cancellation rate of orthopedic elective surgeries was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year and was different for each subdivision depending on the degree of pain or disability. The psychological outcomes were within the normal range and there were no significant differences between groups. After preventive surgery, all medical staff involved in the operation tested negative.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation rate of orthopedic elective surgeries was significantly higher than in the same period of the previous year. Orthopedic health care workers did not seem to have significant psychological distress. As a result of the preventive surgery in specialized facilities, all the medical staff who participated in the operation tested negative.

scholarly journals New Surgical Practice During COVID 19

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 614-618
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sohail Asghar ◽  
Hafiz Syed Zaigham Ali Shah ◽  
Hamna Khan ◽  
Aima Zahid ◽  
Hammad Zia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Medical Teams ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Spread Of Infection ◽  
Transmission Of Disease

A sequence of pneumonia-causing diseases from the Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) appeared in Wuhan, Hubei, China in December 2019. The outbreak of COVID-19 spread quite rapidly. Just as we write this report, almost two and a half million verified cases were reported globally, and almost 180,000 people died.1 Experience from China reveals that COVID-19 outbreaks can be brought under control within 3 months, with highly efficient touch tracking and case isolation.2 Healthcare staff are at the forefront of treatment for COVID-19 cases and have a very large chance of exposure to the infection.3 Cuts in disposable gear and COVID-19 awareness are triggering infections in healthcare workers.4 As of February 11, 2020, China has contaminated more than 1,700 health-care workers. In Italy, 2026 (9 percent) of the COVID-19 incidents happened in healthcare professionals (as of March 15).5 But, 31 medical teams containing more than 42,000 nurses and doctors sent by the Hubei from other provinces did not have a reported infection. It indicates that sufficient information about the transmission of disease and the use of protective equipment and procedures to manage infections is necessary to avoid the spread of infection among health care staff.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Africa: The cost of perceived low incidence rates

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 050-054
Author(s):  
David Olufemi Adesanya ◽  
Precious Chidozie Azubuike
Keyword(s):  
Viral Disease ◽  
Information Management System ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The Novel ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

COVID-19 is a viral disease caused by the novel coronavirus and has hit many countries of the world heavily. The impact of COVID-19 in Africa, is contrary to the experts and professional predictions. Most African have very poor healthcare systems, water supply, sanitary environment and other factors that are requisite to combating the spread of the virus. Reports on COVID-19 incidence from Africa may not be a true reflection of the actual situation. The poor health information management system predominant in most African countries and the inability to carry out effective testing for cases could be responsible for this reported low incidence rates. The implications of perceived low incidence constitute a burden to governments of nations, health care workers, educational and other institutions, communities, women and girls; as well as members of the population. As the virus spreads across Africa, there is a need to improve active case finding and report same to enable effective planning and resource mobilization towards containing the spread of the virus.

scholarly journals Prehospital Identification of Covid-19: An Observational Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Nils Spangler ◽  
Hans Blomberg ◽  
David Smekal
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Primary Hospital ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Rule Out ◽  
Descriptive Statistical Analysis

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has affected prehospital care systems across the world, but the prehospital presentation of affected patients and the extent to which prehospital care providers are able to identify them is not well characterized. In this study, we describe the presentation of Covid-19 patients in a Swedish prehospital care system, and asses the predictive value of Covid-19 suspicion as documented by dispatch and ambulance nurses.Methods Data for all patients with dispatch, ambulance, and hospital records between January 1 - August 31, 2020 were extracted. A descriptive statistical analysis of patients with and without hospital-confirmed Covid-19 was performed. In a subset of records beginning from April 14, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of documented Covid-19 suspicion in dispatch and ambulance patient care records.Results A total of 11 894 prehospital records were included, of which 481 had a primary hospital diagnosis code related to-, or positive test results for Covid-19. Covid-19-positive patients had considerably worse outcomes than patients with negative test results, with 30-day mortality rates of 24% vs 11%, but lower levels of prehospital acuity (e.g. emergent transport rates of 14% vs 22%). About half (46%) of Covid-19-positive patients presented to dispatchers with primary complaints typically associated with Covid-19. 6 776 of records were included in the assessment of predictive value. Sensitivity was 76% (95% CI 71 - 80) and 82% (78 - 86) for dispatch and ambulance suspicion respectively, while specificities were 86% (85 - 87) and 78% (77 - 79).Conclusions While prehospital suspicion was strongly indicative of hospital-confirmed Covid-19, based on the sensitivity identified in this study, prehospital suspicion should not be relied upon as a single factor to rule out the need for isolation precautions. The data provided may be used to develop improved guidelines for identifying Covid-19 patients in the prehospital setting.

scholarly journals Online Delivery of Teaching and Laboratory Practices: Continuity of University Programmes during COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 291
Author(s):  
Kelum A. A. Gamage ◽  
Dilani I. Wijesuriya ◽  
Sakunthala Y. Ekanayake ◽  
Allan E. W. Rennie ◽  
Chris G. Lambert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning Experience ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Academic Standards ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Online Delivery ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Laboratory Facilities ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

A great number of universities worldwide are having their education interrupted, partially or fully, by the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Consequently, an increasing number of universities have taken the steps necessary to transform their teaching, including laboratory workshops into an online or blended mode of delivery. Irrespective of the measures taken, universities must continue to maintain their high academic standards and provide a high-quality student experience as required for delivery of learning outcomes associated with each degree programme. This has created a challenge across the higher education landscape, where academics had to switch to remote teaching and different approaches to achieving laboratory delivery. As a result, students have not been receiving face-to-face teaching, and access to laboratory facilities has been limited or nearly impossible. This paper reviews numerous approaches taken by universities to deliver teaching and laboratory practices remotely, in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst also considering the potential impacts on the student learning experience. This review is primarily focused on the fields of engineering, science and technology, based on published literature including books, reviewing web-based provision of selected universities, institutional and national policy documents.

Prevalence of Coronavirus Disease-2019 among Healthcare Workers in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex in Tehran, Iran

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Hadi Kalantar ◽  
Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi ◽  
Nima Bagheri ◽  
Seyed Ali Dehghan Manshadi ◽  
Alireza Moharrami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Hospital Database ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant worldwide problem since January 2019. Hospitals have spent most of their time and logistics on patients with COVID-19. During this crisis, many healthcare providers have been infected with the disease, and occasionally, some wards and operating rooms were shut down as a result. Here, we explain our experience with the healthcare staff involvement with COVID-19 in our hospital. Methods: As a referral tertiary center, Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran, Iran) has 4,200 health-care workers (HCWs). From February 20, 2020 to August 21, 2020, we investigated the hospital database for COVID-19 involvement among the staff. Results: During the study period, 973 (23%) hospital HCWs were detected with COVID-19, 378 (9%) of whom were involved between June 21 and July 21, 2020. In the orthopedic department, 20 of 43 (46%) HCWs were infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: We believe that the increase in the incidence of the disease and higher risk of exposure is a highly noticeable factor which should be addressed by the administrative health officials.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document