Dealing with COVID-19: lessons learned from the Italian experience

Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvana Mirella Aliberti ◽  
Francesco De Caro ◽  
Giovanni Boccia ◽  
Rosario Caruso ◽  
Mario Capunzo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Coherent System ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Italian Experience ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Future Plans

: Italy was the first western nation affected by the pandemic and was observed as a pilot case in the management of the new coronavirus epidemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 disease has been very difficult in Italy, on June 25, 2020 there are 239,821 total cases of which 33,592 deaths nationwide. Three lessons emerged from this experience that can serve as a blueprint to improve future plans for the outbreak of viruses. First, early reports on the spread of COVID-19 can help inform public health officials and medical practitioners in effort to combat its progression; second, inadequate risk assessment related to the urgency of the situation and limited reporting to the virus has led the rapid spread of COVID-19; third, an effective response to the virus had to be undertaken with coherent system of actions and simultaneously.

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 (COVID-19): A LITERATURE REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 56-72
Author(s):  
Bashar Ibrahim ◽  
Ebru Önem
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Health Organization

In early December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China's Hubei province. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization and International Public Health declared the outbreak an emergency, and as of 23.03.2021, laboratory-approved 123,097,155 cases and 2,716,151 deaths were reported worldwide. The perceived risk of disease has led many countries to adopt various control measures. Emerging genetic and clinical evidence suggests a pathway similar to SARS and MERS. Potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being evaluated derive mainly from previous experience with Covid-19 treatment. Although several potential treatments for COVID-19 with SARS and MERS have been identified in animal and in vitro models, human clinical trials are still lacking, which hinders the progress of potential measures. This review requires an overview of the three major deadly coronaviruses and an assessment of risk factors applicable lessons to stop their spread by leveraging lessons learned from the first two deadly coronavirus outbreaks by identifying areas for improvement in future preparedness plans. The first lessons from the persistence and spread of the outbreak can help inform public health officials and medical practitioners in their efforts to combat its progress. Also, in this review, the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine strategies of the disease are reviewed.

scholarly journals A Perfect Storm: The Social and Institutional Contexts of Samoa’s 2019-2020 Measles Epidemic and the Lessons learned for the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 5-10
Author(s):  
Ramona Boodoosingh ◽  
◽  
Safua Akeli Amaama ◽  
Penelope Schoeffel ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Public Information ◽  
Small Population ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Institutional Contexts

In late 2019 and early 2020, an epidemic of measles ravaged Samoa, and nearly three people in every hundred (2.83%) in the small population were infected, with 1860 hospitalizations and 83 deaths, mainly children. In the circumstances of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, this case study shows that even when a proven vaccine exists for an infectious disease, circumstances may prevent its effective use. As academics and researchers who live and work in Samoa, this article seeks to shed some light into contributing factors to the measles outbreak. These include inadequate data collection, low vaccination coverage, weak institutional capacity, unpreparedness for an epidemic, lack of public information, vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaccine propaganda and public recourse to traditional and ‘alternative’ therapies. Through a combination of personal observation, analysis of media articles, government reports and historical documents, we present an overview of the circumstances of the measles epidemic. We trace the circumstances of low vaccination coverage, institutional weaknesses and an uninformed public resulting in a delayed an effective response. In conclusion we reflect on the lessons that history offers on public health services in Samoa. Keywords: Measles, Epidemic, Samoa, public health, Covid-19, vaccination.

Lessons Learned From Implementing an Incident Command System During a Local Multiagency Response to a Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster in Sydney, NSW

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Quinn ◽  
Travers Johnstone ◽  
Zeina Najjar ◽  
Toni Cains ◽  
Geoff Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Environmental Health ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Public Health Risk ◽  
Incident Command System ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Disease Cluster ◽  
Legionnaires Disease

AbstractThe incident command system (ICS) provides a common structure to control and coordinate an emergency response, regardless of scale or predicted impact. The lessons learned from the application of an ICS for large infectious disease outbreaks are documented. However, there is scant evidence on the application of an ICS to manage a local multiagency response to a disease cluster with environmental health risks. The Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit (PHU) in New South Wales, Australia, was notified of 5 cases of Legionnaires’ disease during 2 weeks in May 2016. This unusual incident triggered a multiagency investigation involving an ICS with staff from the PHU, 3 local councils, and the state health department to help prevent any further public health risk. The early and judicious use of ICS enabled a timely and effective response by supporting clear communication lines between the incident controller and field staff. The field team was key in preventing any ongoing public health risk through inspection, sampling, testing, and management of water systems identified to be at-risk for transmission of legionella. Good working relationships between partner agencies and trust in the technical proficiency of environmental health staff aided in the effective management of the response. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:539–542)

scholarly journals Excess Mortality from COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Italian Experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Pasquariello ◽  
Saverio Stranges
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Case Fatality Rate ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Italian Experience ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

There is much discussion among clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts about why case fatality rate from COVID-19 in Italy (at 13.3% as of April 20, 2020, versus a global case fatality rate of 6.9%) is considerably higher than estimates from other countries (especially China, South Korea, and Germany). In this article, we propose several potential explanations for these differences. We suggest that Italy’s overall and relative case fatality rate, as reported by public health authorities, is likely to be inflated by such factors as heterogeneous reporting of coronavirus-related fatalities across countries and the iceberg effect of under-testing, yielding a distorted view of the global severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also acknowledge that deaths from COVID-19 in Italy are still likely to be higher than in other equally affected nations due to its unique demographic and socio-economic profile. Lastly, we discuss the important role of the stress imparted by the epidemic on the Italian healthcare system, which weakened its capacity to adequately respond to the sudden influx of COVID-19 patients in the most affected areas of the country, especially in the Lombardy region.

scholarly journals Public Support for Government Actions During a Flu Pandemic: Lessons Learned From a Statewide Survey

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (4_suppl) ◽  
pp. 60S-72S ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-Jin Paek ◽  
Karen Hilyard ◽  
Vicki S. Freimuth ◽  
J. Kevin Barge ◽  
Michele Mindlin
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Education ◽  
Telephone Survey ◽  
Public Support ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Trust Building ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
The Government ◽  
Approved Drugs

To better inform public health officials during a flu pandemic, this study analyzes a representative statewide telephone survey among 1,602 adults to examine knowledge and perceptions about a flu pandemic, trust in government, and support for government actions in a flu pandemic. The findings show citizens do not understand what avian/bird flu is and how it evolves into a pandemic. They also seem to have divergent perceptions regarding the susceptibility and severity of a flu pandemic. More than half of the respondents trust the government to handle a flu pandemic and show strong support for many proposed government actions in a pandemic, except for offering non—fully approved drugs. The findings suggest public health and risk communicators should reinforce support for controversial actions through trust building and personalization of risks rather than mere education or publicity. Public education and engagement should also begin pre-pandemic and continue throughout all phases of the event.

scholarly journals Early trends for SARS-CoV-2 infection in central and north Texas and impact on other circulating respiratory viruses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manohar B Mutnal ◽  
Alejandro C Arroliga ◽  
Kimberly Walker ◽  
Amin A Mohammad ◽  
Matthew M Brigmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Throughput Capacity ◽  
North Texas ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Public Health Departments ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Public Health Officials ◽  
Sudden Decrease

Introduction: Rapid diagnosis and isolation are key to containing the rapid spread of a pandemic agent like SARS-CoV-2, which has spread globally since its initial outbreak in Wuhan province in China. SARS-CoV-2 is novel to most parts of the world including USA and the effect on normally prevalent viruses is just becoming apparent. We present our initial data on the prevalence of respiratory viruses in the month of March, 2020. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study post launching of SARS-CoV-2 testing at BSWH, Temple TX. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 was performed by real-time RT-PCR assay and results were shared with State public health officials for immediate interventions. Results: More than 3500 tests were performed during the first two weeks of testing for SARS-CoV-2 and identified 168 (4.7%) positive patients. Sixty-two (3.2%) of the 1,912 ambulatory patients and 106 (6.3%) of the 1,659 ED/inpatients were tested positive. Higher rate of infection (6.9%) were noted in the patients belonging to age group 25-34 years and least number of positive cases were noted in <25 years old (2%) group. The TX State county specific patient demographic information was shared with respective public health departments for epidemiological interventions. Incidentally, this study showed that there was a sudden decrease in the occurrence of other infections due to seasonal viruses, perhaps due to increased epidemiological awareness, about SARS-CoV-2, among general public. Authors would also like to share a small study on SARS-CoV-2 serological assay for the detection of IgG antibodies. Conclusions: This study was intended to provide an initial experience of dealing with a pandemic and the role of laboratories in crisis management. Epidemiological interventions depend on timely availability of accurate diagnostic tests and throughput capacity of such systems during large outbreaks like SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Schistosomiasis and Bladder Cancer in Egypt: A Historical Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 50s-50s
Author(s):  
Afkera Daniel ◽  
Ami Bhatt
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Rockefeller Foundation ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Medical Knowledge ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Colonial Era ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Secondary Sources

Abstract 8 Background: Schistosoma haematobium has an extensive history in Egypt, with certain regions of the country reporting infection rates as high as 70%. This parasite has also been linked to bladder cancer since the beginning of the 20th century. However, little was done to elucidate a causal linkage between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer prior to the 1940s. This paper examines the reasons for this lack of attention, and the conditions that eventually stimulated research in Egypt on the connection between the two diseases. Methods: Through a review of secondary sources, interpretation of primary sources, and archival research at the Rockefeller Foundation, I have been able to trace and analyze the relationship between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in Egypt. Results: Much of the research spearheaded by imperial powers during the colonial era focused on maintaining the short-term health of agricultural workers crucial to the colonial economy. As a long-term sequelae of infection, bladder cancer did not immediately impede the efficiency of this labor force. Thus, while research into schistosomiasis infection boomed throughout the colonial period, inquiry into its relationship to bladder cancer was stifled until power transitioned to Egyptians themselves and reforms took hold that brought Egyptian scientists to the forefront. Conclusion: Renewed interest in the link between schistosomiasis and bladder cancers from the 1940s followed an important shift in the political structures that governed scientific research in Egypt and led to the ascendancy of Egyptian scientists and physicians. This shift changed research agendas. As public health and medical practitioners work globally to advance health systems, lessons learned from Egypt's early experiences in schistosomiasis control and bladder cancer intervention are a reminder of the importance of including local scientific communities and internal organizations in the process of producing medical knowledge and public health infrastructures. AUTHORS' DISCLOSURES OF POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Afkera Daniel No relationship to disclose Ami Bhatt Patents, Royalties, Other Intellectual Property: I have a patent pending focused on therapeutic, diagnostic and interventional approaches to targeting of Bradyrhizobium enterica, a novel bacterium I and colleagues discovered that appears to be associated with a complication of stem cell transplantation.

scholarly journals Excess Mortality from COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Italian Experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Pasquariello ◽  
Saverio Stranges
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Case Fatality Rate ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Fatality Rate ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Italian Experience ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities

There is much discussion among clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health experts about why case fatality rate from COVID-19 in Italy (at 12.1% as of April 2, 2020, versus a global case fatality rate of 5.2%) is considerably higher than estimates from other countries (especially China, South Korea, and Germany). In this article, we propose several potential explanations for these differences. We suggest that Italy&rsquo;s overall and relative case fatality rate, as reported by public health authorities, is likely to be inflated by such factors as heterogeneous reporting of coronavirus-related fatalities across countries and the iceberg effect of under-testing, yielding a distorted view of the global severity of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also acknowledge that deaths from COVID-19 in Italy are still likely to be higher than in other equally affected nations due to its unique demographic and socio-economic profile. Lastly, we discuss the important role of the stress imparted by the epidemic on the Italian healthcare system, which weakened its capacity to adequately respond to the sudden influx of COVID-19 patients in the most affected areas of the country, especially in the Lombardy region.

scholarly journals Opening A New Service Marketing Channel For Medical Products: How Pharmacists Became Immunizers

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Harrington ◽  
Holly H. Anderson ◽  
Daniel J. Vacca ◽  
Nile M. Khanfar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Political Action ◽  
Unmet Need ◽  
Marketing Channel ◽  
Product Distribution ◽  
Medical Product ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Health Infrastructure ◽  
Public Health Officials

Medical product firms often have limited channels of distribution due to the highly regulated environment in which they operate.  Creating a new channel for delivery of a health product is very difficult because it requires political action and requires strong arguments that there is unmet need for the product.  Determined leadership and action by the intermediaries involved and evidence that the product can be used safely in the new channel are also essential.  Pharmacists, vaccine manufacturers, and public health officials were able to open up a new channel for marketing vaccines by persistent effort over the past 15 years.  This paper describes this effort and illustrates the benefits for consumers, manufacturers, pharmacists, pharmacy chains, and the public health infrastructure.  A series of lessons learned is provided as guideposts for others to use in changing medical product distribution channels.

Information exchange in social networks for health care

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 692-702
Author(s):  
Ian Clark Sinapuelas ◽  
Foo Nin Ho
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Social Connections ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Information Giving ◽  
Public Health Officials

Purpose This paper aims to uncover the predictors of information exchange in social networking for health (SNH) care. Design/methodology/approach Using two national studies of consumers in the USA, this research examines how trust and social connections influence information exchange. The empirical analyses use a two-stage estimation approach and structural equation modeling. Findings The results show that higher trust encourages information getting, while social connections encourage information giving. In contrast to previous findings, this study shows that trust does not affect information giving when social connections are included in the model. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on the role of trust and social connections in predicting information exchange in SNH. Research on general social media use has explored the role of personalities in predicting use. While this study controls for demographic variables that correlate strongly with personality types that are significant predictors, future research can determine which of the big-five personality factors correlate with information exchange. While social media usage has been steadily increasing from 2005 to 2015, the authors are unable to track changes in social media activities in healthcare over time as this study uses cross-sectional data. Future research can use panel data that can track these changes. Practical implications First, managers of social networks can encourage individuals with expansive networks to share their stories, as they are more likely to offer information. Second, they need to build the trust of individuals before fully reaping the benefits of SNH. This issue is especially critical for SNH if medical practitioners and public health officials need to use SNH as a communication channel. Third, medical practitioners and public health officials may need to intervene when misinformation is prevalent in SNH. Social implications Health-care providers and public health officials informed of information exchange predictors can modify their strategies in enacting health-related policies. Originality/value This research is the first to explore the links between trust, social connections and information exchange in SNH care. This research contributes to existing knowledge by identifying the important roles of trust and social connections and separate routes that these constructs influence information exchange.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document