scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: A qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI YOUN YOO ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background: In late January, a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government-provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases.Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N=55) and analyzed using content analysis.Results: The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction.Conclusion: In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Youn Yoo ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background In late January, a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19. We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries’ (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government-provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Methods To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N = 55) and analyzed using content analysis. Results The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study in the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil and Haiti

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI YOUN YOO ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. This rapid increase in confirmed cases made the prevention and control of COVID-19 critical on both national and global scales in order to prevent the healthcare systems from being overwhelmed. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals for taking action to slow the spread of COVID-19. Objective We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (U.S., China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Research design and Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Results The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of COVID-19 guidelines from six countries: a qualitative study on the US, China, South Korea, the UK, Brazil, and Haiti 

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI YOUN YOO ◽  
Samia Valeria Ozorio Dutra ◽  
Dany Fanfan ◽  
Sarah Sniffen ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background: In late January a worldwide crisis known as COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO. Within only a few weeks, the outbreak took on pandemic proportions, affecting over 100 countries. It was a significant issue to prevent and control COVID-19 on both national and global scales due to the dramatic increase in confirmed cases worldwide. Government guidelines provide a fundamental resource for communities, as they guide citizens on how to protect themselves against COVID-19, however, they also provide critical guidance for policy makers and healthcare professionals on how to take action to decrease the spread of COVID-19.Objective: We aimed to identify the differences and similarities between six different countries' (US, China, South Korea, UK, Brazil and Haiti) government provided community and healthcare system guidelines, and to explore the relationship between guideline issue dates and the prevalence/incidence of COVID-19 cases. Research design and Methods: To make these comparisons, this exploratory qualitative study used document analysis of government guidelines issued to the general public and to healthcare professionals. Documents were purposively sampled (N=55) and analyzed using content analysis.Results: The major differences in the evaluation and testing criteria in the guidelines across the six countries centered around the priority of testing for COVID-19 in the general population, which was strongly dependent on each country’s healthcare capacity. However, the most similar guidelines pertained to the clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and methods to prevent its contraction. Conclusion: In the initial stages of the outbreak, certain strategies were universally employed to control the deadly virus’s spread, including quarantining the sick, contact tracing, and social distancing. However, each country dealt with differing healthcare capacities, risks, threats, political and socioeconomic challenges, and distinct healthcare systems and infrastructure. Acknowledging these differences highlights the importance of examining the various countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic with a nuanced view, as each of these factors shaped the government guidelines distributed to each country’s communities and healthcare systems.

scholarly journals Viral and bacterial infection elicit distinct changes in plasma lipids in febrile children

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinzhu Wang ◽  
Ruud Nijman ◽  
Stephane Camuzeaux ◽  
Caroline Sands ◽  
Heather Jackson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infection ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Plasma Lipids ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Cholesterol Sulfate ◽  
Inappropriate Use ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Uk

AbstractFever is the most common reason that children present to Emergency Departments in the UK. Clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection are often non-specific, and there is no definitive test for the accurate diagnosis of infection. As a result, many children are prescribed antibiotics often unnecessarily, while others with life-threatening bacterial infections can remain untreated. The ‘omics’ approaches to identifying biomarkers from the host-response to bacterial infection are promising. In this study, lipidomic analysis was carried out with plasma samples obtained from febrile children with confirmed bacterial infection (n=20) and confirmed viral infection (n=20). We show for the first time that bacterial and viral infection elicit distinct changes in the host lipidome. Glycerophosphoinositol, sphingomyelin, lysophosphotidylcholine and cholesterol sulfate were increased in the confirmed virus infected group, while fatty acids, glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoserine, lactosylceramide and bilirubin were increased in cases with confirmed bacterial infection. A combination of three lipids achieved the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.918 (95% CI 0.835 to 1). This pilot study demonstrates the potential of metabolic biomarkers to assist clinicians in distinguishing bacterial from viral infection in febrile children, to facilitate effective clinical management and to the limit inappropriate use of antibiotics.

scholarly journals Medical emoji for clinical signs and symptoms: a comprehensive qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Assadi ◽  
Nasim Lotfinejad ◽  
Amir Hosein Ziae ◽  
Baran Ganjali
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Clinical Sign ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Facial Expressions ◽  
Delphi Method ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Graphic Designer ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

AbstractIntroductionEmojis have surpassed facial expressions and they are now widely used to deliver complex concepts by representing graphical expressions in the digital platform. In this study, we endeavored to develop medical emojis for clinical signs and symptoms to be used as tools for text-based counselling.MethodsThe present study was conducted using the Delphi method with medical studnets and general practitioners, drawing and discussing in several repeated rounds. For this purpose, about 100 clinical signs/symptoms were considered using the ICD-10 website.ResultsIn the present study, from one hundred signs and symptoms we reached to 85 signs/symptoms that after first round of sessions were illustrated. Out of these 85 eligible emojis, 4 cases were removed due to the lack of consensus. The rest of the emojis were finalized and prepared by the graphic designer. These emojis then were published online to collect online votes.ConclusionIn this study, we could design up to 81 medical emojis presenting clinical sign and symptoms with acceptable consensus between the participants. These emojis were reasonably acceptable by our panelists in presenting the established clinical concepts.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of tuberculosis among COVID-19 suspected cases in Ghana

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261849
Author(s):  
Theophilus Afum ◽  
Prince Asare ◽  
Adwoa Asante-Poku ◽  
Isaac Darko-Otchere ◽  
Portia Abena Morgan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Drug Susceptibility ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Tuberculosis Case ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms

Background Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 pandemics are both diseases of public health threat globally. Both diseases are caused by pathogens that infect mainly the respiratory system, and are involved in airborne transmission; they also share some clinical signs and symptoms. We, therefore, took advantage of collected sputum samples at the early stage of COVID-19 outbreak in Ghana to conduct differential diagnoses of long-standing endemic respiratory illness, particularly tuberculosis. Methodology Sputum samples collected through the enhanced national surveys from suspected COVID-19 patients and contact tracing cases were analyzed for TB. The sputum samples were processed using Cepheid’s GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in pools of 4 samples to determine the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Positive pools were then decoupled and analyzed individually. Details of positive TB samples were forwarded to the NTP for appropriate case management. Results Seven-hundred and seventy-four sputum samples were analyzed for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in both suspected COVID-19 cases (679/774, 87.7%) and their contacts (95/774, 12.3%). A total of 111 (14.3%) were diagnosed with SARS CoV-2 infection and six (0.8%) out of the 774 individuals tested positive for pulmonary tuberculosis: five (83.3%) males and one female (16.7%). Drug susceptibility analysis identified 1 (16.7%) rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis case. Out of the six TB positive cases, 2 (33.3%) tested positive for COVID-19 indicating a coinfection. Stratifying by demography, three out of the six (50%) were from the Ayawaso West District. All positive cases received appropriate treatment at the respective sub-district according to the national guidelines. Conclusion Our findings highlight the need for differential diagnosis among COVID-19 suspected cases and regular active TB surveillance in TB endemic settings.

scholarly journals Confidence and willingness among laypersons in the UK to act in a head injury situation: a qualitative focus group study

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. e033531
Author(s):  
Stefan Tino Kulnik ◽  
Mary Halter ◽  
Ann Hilton ◽  
Aidan Baron ◽  
Stuart Garner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Head Injury ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
First Aid ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesTo explore factors influencing confidence and willingness among laypersons in the UK to act in a head injury situation, in order to inform first aid education offered by the British Red Cross.DesignQualitative focus group study.SettingSouth East England.ParticipantsForty-four laypersons (37 women, 7 men) were purposively recruited from the general public using snowball sampling, into one focus group each for six population groups: parents of young children (n=8), informal carers of older adults (n=7), school staff (n=7), sports coaches (n=2), young adults (n=9) and ‘other’ adults (n=11). The median (range) age group across the sample was 25–34 years (18–24, 84–95). Participants were from Asian (n=6), Black (n=6), Mixed (n=2) and White (n=30) ethnic backgrounds.ResultsThe majority of participants described being confident and willing to act in a head injury scenario if that meant calling for assistance, but did not feel sufficiently confident or knowledgeable to assist or make decisions in a more involved way. Individuals’ confidence and willingness presented as fluid and dependent on an interplay of situational and contextual considerations, which strongly impacted decision-making: prior knowledge and experience, characteristics of the injured person, un/observed head injury, and location and environment. These considerations may be framed as enablers or barriers to helping behaviour, impacting decision-making to the same extent as—or even more so than—the clinical signs and symptoms of head injury. An individual conceptual model is proposed to illustrate inter-relationships between these factors.ConclusionsOur findings show that confidence and willingness to act in a head injury scenario are dependent on several contextual and situational factors. It is important to address such factors, in addition to knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms, in first aid education and training to improve confidence and willingness to act.

scholarly journals Patient and public priorities for breast cancer research: a qualitative study in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e036072
Author(s):  
George Boundouki ◽  
Rebecca Wilson ◽  
Paula Duxbury ◽  
Julia Henderson ◽  
Laura Ballance ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Research ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Breast Cancer Research ◽  
Research Themes ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveInternationally recognised specialist breast cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals have published breast cancer research gaps that are informing research funding priorities in the UK and worldwide. We aimed to determine the breast cancer research priorities of the public to compare with those identified by clinicians and scientists.DesignWe conducted a qualitative study and thematic analysis using ‘listening events’ where patients with breast cancer and public representatives used a patient’s breast cancer journey to identify research themes.Participants and settingFemale participants were recruited from attendees at participating hospitals and support groups in the northwest of England, including patients, their family and friends as well as staff at a local retail centre.InterventionA framework approach was used to analyse transcribed discussions until thematic saturation was reached.Main outcome measuresBreast cancer research priorities were identified from participant discussions and compared with the published gaps identified by scientists and healthcare professionals.ResultsThematic saturation was reached after 27 female participants participated in listening events. Our participants consistently focused on improved methods of dissemination of information and improving education on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. This was not highlighted by scientists or healthcare professionals. There was strong emphasis on quality of life-related issues such as side effects of treatment. There was some agreement between the priorities deduced by our study and those of the professionals in the areas of screening, prevention and breast reconstruction.ConclusionOur study identified some research themes that were not identified by scientists and healthcare professionals in two earlier landmark studies. This highlights the importance of including patients and public representatives when setting research priorities. The results should be used to guide investigators when planning future studies and for funding bodies in allocating resources for future projects.

Coronary heart disease

2014 ◽  
pp. 109-118
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Arteries ◽  
Stable Angina ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Acute Mi ◽  
Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Uk

CHD remains one of the largest causes of premature death in the UK. Angina is the most common symptom of CHD. It is usually described as a central, retrosternal pain or ache that is crushing or choking in nature. Pain may radiate down the left arm and/or up into the neck and is often accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating. Some patients may describe it as chest discomfort. The presentation of CHD, however, covers a broad spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms that vary in severity. An individual may be asymptomatic despite disease within the coronary arteries; may present with gradually worsening symptoms of angina; or the first presentation may be death following an acute MI. The progress of the disease is variable, depending on the individual’s risk factors and the coronary arteries affected. Terminology varies but, generally speaking, CHD is divided into two subtypes: stable angina—with reversible ischaemia, and acute coronary syndromes—which is an umbrella term that includes unstable angina and MI. This chapter outlines the pathophysiology and clinical management of stable angina.

Coronary heart disease: stable angina

2020 ◽  
pp. 129-140
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Stable Angina ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Retrosternal Pain ◽  
Clinical Signs And Symptoms ◽  
The Uk

Although rates of premature death from coronary heart disease (CHD) have fallen 80% over the past 40 years, it is still a significant cause of premature death in the UK. Angina is the most common symptom of CHD. It is usually described as a central, retrosternal pain or ache that is crushing or choking in nature. Pain may radiate down the left arm and/or up into the neck and is often accompanied by shortness of breath (SOB) and sweating. Some patients may describe it as chest discomfort. The presentation of CHD, however, covers a broad spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms that vary in severity. An individual may be asymptomatic despite disease within the coronary arteries; may present with gradually worsening symptoms of angina; or the first presentation may be death following an acute myocardial infarction (MI). This chapter outlines the pathophysiology and clinical management of stable angina.

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