scholarly journals COVID-19 and ophthalmology- Challenges and mitigation of disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-288
Author(s):  
Pravin M Bhat ◽  
Sunil S Kewat
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Surface Disinfection ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Contagious Nature ◽  
The World ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

The SARS-CoV-2 infection has become a global health crisis with an uprising trend of infection and death in the world. Considering the contagious nature and the human to human transmission of the disease, it is utmost important to follow the infection control measures in the ophthalmic practice. The pink eye or conjunctivitis is the associated symptom reported along with the respiratory illness and fever in patients of COVID-19. So the triage policy, using noncontact procedures, understanding the risk factors of the disease, postponement of routine ophthalmic patient’s visit, following respiratory hygiene, hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE) are some of the measures to keep the infection in control are explained in this article. The surface disinfection, equipment disinfection are also important considering the environmental contamination nature of the disease. So in order to minimize the infection every ophthalmologist should work as per the guidelines and measures and work with the local designated infection control authorities.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Emerging and Future Challenges for Dental and Oral Medicine

2020 ◽  
Vol 99 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-487 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Meng ◽  
F. Hua ◽  
Z. Bian
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

The epidemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), originating in Wuhan, China, has become a major public health challenge for not only China but also countries around the world. The World Health Organization announced that the outbreaks of the novel coronavirus have constituted a public health emergency of international concern. As of February 26, 2020, COVID-19 has been recognized in 34 countries, with a total of 80,239 laboratory-confirmed cases and 2,700 deaths. Infection control measures are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading and to help control the epidemic situation. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. For dental practices and hospitals in areas that are (potentially) affected with COVID-19, strict and effective infection control protocols are urgently needed. This article, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and nosocomial infection in dental settings and provides recommended management protocols for dental practitioners and students in (potentially) affected areas.

scholarly journals Retrospective Study on Personal Protective Equipment During Pandemic Link to Outbreak of Carbpenem-Resistant Enterobacteriace

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s9-s10
Author(s):  
Kenisha Evans ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
Angela Beatriz Cruz ◽  
Lavina Jabbo ◽  
Teena Chopra
Keyword(s):  
Retrospective Study ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The Impact

Background: In 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), had cost the lives of >35,000 patients, particularly the most virulent plasmid-mediated New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM). Although healthcare systems normally have strict surveillance and infection control measures for CRE, the rapid emergence of novel SAR-CoV-2 and COVID-19 led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies. As a result, routine infection practices, such as contact precautions, were violated. Studies have shown this depletion and shift in resources compromised the control of infections such CRE leading to rising horizontal transmission. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare system in Detroit, Michigan, to determine the impact of PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic on NDM infection rates. The following periods were established during 2020 based on PPE availability: (1) pre-PPE shortage (January–June), (2) PPE shortage (July–October), and (3) post-PPE shortage (November–December). Rates of NDM per 10,000 patient days were compared between periods using the Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test. Isolates were confirmed resistant by NDM by molecular typing performed by the Michigan State Health Department. Patient characteristics were gathered by medical chart review and patient interviews by telephone. Results: Overall, the average rate of NDM infections was 1.82 ±1.5 per 10,000 patient days. Rates during the PPE shortage were significantly higher, averaging 3.6 ±1.1 cases per 10,000 patient days (P = .02). During this time, several infections occurred within patients on the same unit and/or patients with same treating team, suggesting possible horizontal transmission. Once PPE stock was replenished and isolation practices were reinstated, NDM infection rates decreased to 0.77 ±1.1 per 10,000 patient days. Conclusion: Control of CRE requires strategic planning with active surveillance, antimicrobial constructs, and infection control measures. The study illustrates that in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the burden of effective infection control requires much more multidisciplinary efforts to prevent unintentional lapses in patient safety. A swift response by the state and local health departments at a tertiary-care healthcare center conveyed a positive mitigation of the highest clinical threats and decreased horizontal transmission of disease.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

scholarly journals An anaesthetic and intensive care perspective on infection control measures for the prevention of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 81 (9) ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hazel R O'Mahony ◽  
Daniel S Martin
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Airborne Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Current Guidance

Guidance regarding appropriate use of personal protective equipment in hospitals is in constant flux as research into SARS-COV-2 transmission continues to develop our understanding of the virus. The risk associated with procedures classed as ‘aerosol generating’ is under constant debate. Current guidance is largely based on pragmatic and cautious logic, as there is little scientific evidence of aerosolization and transmission of respiratory viruses associated with procedures. The physical properties of aerosol particles which may contain viable virus have implications for the safe use of personal protective equipment and infection control protocols. As elective work in the NHS is reinstated, it is important that the implications of the possibility of airborne transmission of the virus in hospitals are more widely understood. This will facilitate appropriate use of personal protective equipment and help direct further research into the true risks of aerosolization during these procedures to allow safe streamlining of services for staff and patients.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Awareness of Infection Control Measures, and the Role and Effect in Patient and Family Education

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (27) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Sahar Hammoud ◽  
Bassam Ghazi ◽  
Mohamad Nassredine ◽  
Mohamad Abou Haidar
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Family Education ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
High Level ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

Background: Healthcare Associated Infections are serious problems in healthcare sector that threatened patient safety since decades till present. The proper adherence to infection control measures is a major factor in reducing these infections. Objectives: The objectives of this study were, to assess the level of nurses’ awareness with infection control measures in Lebanon and to determine its role in implementing patient and family education. Methodology and Results: A quantitative study was done. Questionnaires were distributed over 260 nurses, and 260 patients and family members at four well known hospitals in Lebanon. The study showed a high level of infection control awareness (81.57 %) among Lebanese nurses, and showed that Lebanese hospitals are training their nurses on IC topics (99.1 % of nurses were trained). As for patients and family members’ education, the JCI accredited hospital showed the highest level of education on infection control measures (58.3 %). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study showed that nurses who had a high awareness in infection control educated more their patients and family members on these measures than nurses with low awareness. (64.1 % and 42.1 % when educating on respiratory hygiene, p=0.013, 86.2 % and 57.9 % when educating on usage of PPE, p=0.000, 89.2 % and 68.4 % when educating on the reason for isolation, p=0.001). The major recommendations were to enhance the culture that believes in the partnership between patients, their families and healthcare providers at the hospitals level, and to include a new standard in the Lebanese Accreditation Standards that requires educating patients and family members on infection control measures at the Ministry of Public Health level.

scholarly journals Community Pharmacy Response to Infection Control during COVID-19. A Cross-Sectional Survey.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Sum ◽  
Charmane Ow
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Community Pharmacy ◽  
Pharmacy Practice ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Background: Australia received its first case of coronavirus on 25 January 2020. Since then the demands of COVID-19 has presented unparalleled levels of strain on the public healthcare systems in the country. In this time of crisis, pharmacists and community pharmacy staff have modified work strategies according to the rapidly changing environment. With a delayed dissemination of resources and guidelines, pharmacist and pharmacies are practicing innovative infection control methods across Australia to protect their staff, patients and the community. This article seeks to explore the current activities undertaken by pharmacists in various community pharmacy settings across Australia in relation to the safety of the workplace environments for staff and patients. Information collected can help inform future decisions in pandemic preparation for pharmacies in response to similar health crisis now and in the future. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in Australia during the COVID-19 outbreak from 1st to 30th April 2020. The questionnaire addressed community pharmacist’s awareness and response to infection and sanitation control. Results: A total of 137 pharmacists took part in the survey, with almost half (45.26%) belonging to the age group of 25 to 34 years. Community pharmacy formed the bulk (89.05%) of the respondent’s primary place of practice. There was a good uptake of safety measures by pharmacists and their pharmacies to protect staff and patients. However the task of reassigning high health risk staff was not heavily practiced (34.31%). Regular cleaning took place in the pharmacy, but the use of gloves while cleaning was not practiced in 48.18% of respondents. In addition, only 46.72% of respondents reported observing script baskets being cleaned and disinfected. About one-third (37.96%) of pharmacists were aware of the two-step cleaning and disinfecting process, but only 18.98% of pharmacists reported observing or performing this sanitation procedure. More than half of surveyed pharmacists reported having difficulty keeping up with infection control changes and pharmacy practice guidelines during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the majority of pharmacists are not fully aware of the infection control measures needed in a community pharmacy setting. The influx of coronavirus updates has made it difficult for pharmacists to implement accurate procedures on some aspects of workplace hygiene, which may have led to some gaps in infection control measures. Pharmacists must aim to uphold their public health ambassador role and aim to keep up-to-date with professional guidance to provide the necessary infection control measures to ensure staff, patient and public health safety.

scholarly journals What every orthopaedic surgeon should know about COVID-19: A review of the current literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 230949902092349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Shing-Yat Yung ◽  
Kevin Chi Him Fok ◽  
Ching Ngai Leung ◽  
Yat Wa Wong
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Current Literature ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgeon ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
The World ◽  
Emerging Treatments

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has severely affected the medical community and stopped the world in its tracks. This review aims to provide the basic information necessary for us, orthopaedic surgeons to prepare ourselves to face this pandemic together. Herein, we cover the background of COVID-19, presentation, investigations, transmission, infection control and touch upon emerging treatments. It is of paramount importance that we should stay vigilant for our patients, our families and ourselves. Adequate infection control measures are necessary during day-to-day clinical work.

scholarly journals Awareness and knowledge of undergraduate dental students about the signs and symptoms of Corona viral infection (COVID-19), and the required infection control measures to prevent its spread

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasha F. Sharaf ◽  
Nihal Kabel
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
High Level

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is considered a highly contagious disease with flu-like symptoms and causing relatively high level of death. It can be transmitted from a person to another through droplets and that makes the dentists at high risk of infection. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of dental students about the signs and symptoms of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to evaluate their awareness about the required infection control measures during the dental treatment to control the spread of the disease. A questionnaire was formed using Google forms and distributed among dental students and interns in different universities in Cairo, Egypt. Questions were about signs and symptoms of COVID-19, attitude of the dentists toward dental treatment of suspected patients and the required personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control measures at the dental clinic. Results The majority of the participants strongly agreed/agreed that COVID-19 is a highly dangerous disease, Participants reported that the most common symptom is difficulty in breathing (89.4%) followed by fever (84.4%). Face shield was the most recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) during dental treatment (98.6%) followed by disposable gown (96.3%). The majority of participants (84.8%) recommended using 70% ethyl alcohol as the first method to disinfect surfaces in between dental visits, followed by sodium hypochlorite. Conclusions Dental students and interns in Cairo, Egypt, have good knowledge and awareness about COVID-19 and the necessary precautions required to provide adequate dental treatment for the patients during the pandemic COVID-19; however, the importance of infection control should be highlighted for both clinical and preclinical dental students, to provide safe dental treatment to the patients as well as protection of the dentists and healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Prevention of COVID-19 Infection with Personal Protective Equipment

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-69
Author(s):  
Noriko Shimasaki ◽  
Hideaki Morikawa ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Urban Disaster ◽  
Asymptomatic Individuals ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

A new infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic in Japan can be viewed as an urban disaster because transmission of this respiratory disease tends to occur in densely populated areas. A scientific understanding of the pathogen itself, the cause of the disaster (infectious disease), as well as infection control measures, are important to implement robust and appropriate countermeasures. This review discribes the features, especially the modes of transmission, of COVID-19 and the principles by which infection control is possible using one of the most effective infection control measures – personal protective equipment (PPE). Because COVID-19 is often transmitted to others by asymptomatic individuals through droplets, even those who are unaware of their infection should wear masks to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus and effectively control the spread of disease. However, given the worldwide competition for masks and the urgent requirement of effective controls, it is necessary to conduct further research to establish a system that can supply adequate numbers of masks to regions where many people are infected in the country, with no shortage of masks, in order to make the country more resilient to disasters caused by infectious diseases in the future.

scholarly journals Dental Students in Egypt: To What Extent Do They Perceive and Comply with Infection Control Measures?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basma A. Elawady ◽  
Mona S. Mohamed ◽  
Eman H. Elsebaie ◽  
Essraa A. Hegazy ◽  
Lamiaa A. Madkour
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Communicative Strategies ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Knowledge And Practice ◽  
Dental Schools

This study was carried out in the dental school of Ahram Canadian University in Egypt to investigate the knowledge and compliance of senior students and interns toward infection control practices. A self‑administered questionnaire was employed with questions pertinent to the participants’ knowledge of risks in the dental settings, the practice of hand hygiene, the use of protective equipment, and the management of sharp injuries, among others. Although the knowledge and practice of the 240 surveyed participants were good; they were not up to the coveted standards. Despite being an integral part of their curriculum, an alarming percentage (19.6%) of the participants denied receiving knowledge about infection control instructions. Meanwhile, only 72.5% were aware of being at risk in the dental settings, and 78.3% confirmed their practice of hand hygiene. On the other hand, 84.6% of the surveyed participants confirmed the availability of protective equipment and 94.2% of them expressed their willingness to apply infection control measures in the future. The defects in the knowledge and practice mandate corrective actions to promote and upgrade the students’ compliance. Meanwhile, other gaps can be rectified via developing state-of-the-art communicative strategies. Efforts are warranted to enhance the attitude and motivate the students to conform to the protective safety measures. With all the infection control procedures already established in dental schools, the challenge lies in improving the students’ compliance with these recommendations.

scholarly journals Probable immersions for novel Coronavirus and its preventions: A systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parth M. Kapatel ◽  
Nagma ara Malik
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Severe Infection ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
New Public Health ◽  
New Public ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The new public health crisis threatening the world with the emergence due to the spreading of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) or it can also say as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus instigated in bats and was transmitted to humans through yet unknown transitional animals in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019. There have been around 3.04 million reported cases by WHO of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) and 895 thousand are recovered, 211 thousand reported deaths to date (28/04/2020) from all over the world. The disease is spread by inhalation/breathing or interaction with infected droplets. The quarantine period ranges from 2 to 14 days. The symptoms are typically breathlessness, cough, sore throat, fever, fatigue, malaise, among others. The disease is mild in most people; while in about some (generally the aged and those with comorbidities), it may progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multi-organ dysfunction. Many people are asymptomatic. Treatment is very essentially supportive; the role of antiviral agents is up till now to be recognized. Prevention requires home quarantine of alleged cases and those with mild illnesses and severe infection control measures at hospitals that contain interaction, touch and droplet precautions.

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