One Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Medical Facilities in Germany: A Questionnaire-Based Analysis

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced healthcare workers to adapt to challenges in both patient care and self-protection. Dental practitioners were confronted with a potentially high possibility of infection transmission due to aerosol-generating procedures. This study aims to present data on healthcare worker (HCW) screening, infection status of HCWs, pre-interventional testing, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the economic impact of the pandemic in dental facilities. (2) Methods: Dental facilities were surveyed nationwide using an online questionnaire. The acquisition of participants took place in cooperation with the German Society for Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine. (3) Results: A total of 1094 private practices participated. Of these, 39.1% treated fewer than 600 patients per quarter and 59.9% treated over 600 patients per quarter. Pre-interventional testing was rarely performed in either small (6.6%) or large practices (6.0%). Large practices had a significantly higher incidence of at least one SARS-CoV-2-positive HCW than small practices (26.2% vs.14.4%, p < 0.01). The main source of infection in small practices was the private environment, and this was even more significant in large practices (81.8% vs. 89.7%, p < 0.01). The procedure count either remained stable (34.0% of small practices vs. 46.2% of large practices) or decreased by up to 50% (52.6% of small practices vs. 44.4% of large practices). Revenue remained stable (24.8% of small practices vs. 34.2% of large practices) or decreased by up to 50% (64.5% of small practices vs. 55.3% of large practices, p = 0.03). Overall, employee numbers remained stable (75.5% of small practices vs. 76.8% of large practices). A vaccination readiness of 60–100% was shown in 60.5% (n = 405) of large practices and 59.9% (n = 251) of small practices. (4) Conclusion: Pre-interventional testing in dental practices should be increased further. Economic challenges affected small practices as well as large practices. Overall, a steady employee count could be maintained. Vaccination readiness is high in dental practices, although with some room for improvement.

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Awareness of aerosol-related transmission of COVID-19 among the dentists of Nepal

BDJ Open ◽

10.1038/s41405-021-00079-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nashib Pandey ◽

Buddha Bahadur Basnet ◽

Sushmit Koju ◽

Anju Khapung ◽

Alka Gupta

Keyword(s):

Social Sciences ◽

Particle Size ◽

High Efficiency ◽

Emergency Services ◽

Uv Light ◽

Ventilation System ◽

Age Groups ◽

Air Filtration ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Dental Practitioners

Abstract Objective To access the awareness of dental practitioners of Nepal towards COVID-19 transmission through aerosols. Materials and methods The study involved 384 dentists from all over Nepal and was conducted for a period of 3 months. A self-reported online questionnaire was developed using Google forms and the link was shared. It emphasized the awareness related to the aerosol and ventilation system in their daily practices was prepared. The data were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. Results The majority of participants were female 52.9% (n = 203) and within the age groups of <30 years 57% (n = 219). Participants from Bagmati Province were 60.4% (n = 232), with least from Sudurpaschim Province 0.5% (n = 2). 60% of participants provided only emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic and few (7%) provided consultations via telephone. The current ventilation system used was a well-ventilated room with open windows 65.4% (n = 251). However, 52.8% (n = 203) preferred specialized operatory incorporating high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and ultraviolet (UV) light. More than 60% of respondents were unaware of the particle size of the aerosol. Conclusions The obtained results signify the need for the proper ventilation system with appropriate air filtration systems in dental clinical setups.

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Future Healthcare Workers and Hepatitis B Vaccination: A New Generation

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18157783 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 7783

Author(s):

Andrea Trevisan ◽

Paola Mason ◽

Annamaria Nicolli ◽

Stefano Maso ◽

Marco Fonzo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B ◽

Antibody Titer ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Lower Percentage ◽

Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽

High Morbidity ◽

One Year ◽

Mandatory Vaccination ◽

University Of Padua ◽

The University

Before the introduction of universal vaccination, hepatitis B caused high morbidity and mortality, especially among healthcare workers. In the present study, the immune status against hepatitis B was assessed in a cohort of 11,188 students of the degree courses of the School of Medicine of the University of Padua (Italy) who had been subjected to mandatory vaccination in childhood or adolescence and who will be future healthcare workers. The variables that influence the antibody response to vaccination are mainly the age at which the vaccine was administered and sex. If vaccination was administered before one year of age, there is a high probability (around 50%) of having an antibody titer lower than 10 IU/L compared to those vaccinated after one year of age (12.8%). The time between vaccine and analysis is not decisive. Furthermore, female sex, but only if vaccination was administered after one year of age, shows a significant (p = 0.0008) lower percentage of anti-HBs below 10 IU/L and a greater antibody titer (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the differences related to the age of vaccination induce more doubts than answers. The only plausible hypothesis, in addition to the different immune responses (innate and adaptive), is the type of vaccine. This is not easy to verify because vaccination certificates rarely report it.

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Dental Record Keeping by General Dental Practitioners in Lahore

10.53350/pjmhs211582070 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (8) ◽

pp. 2070-2072

Author(s):

Farhan Riaz ◽

Saima Sabir ◽

Umer Abdullah ◽

Muhammad Shairaz Sadiq ◽

Ejaz Husain Sahu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Data Collection ◽

Study Data ◽

Patient Records ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Record Keeping ◽

Group Practices ◽

Health Authorities ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Dental Practices ◽

Dental Photography

Objective: of this study is to analyze the behavior/attitude of general dental practitioners towards record keeping and quality assessment of patient records found in different dental practices of Lahore. Study design: Cross sectional, Descriptive, Questionnaire based study (Copy of questionnaire attached). Place and Duration of Study: Data collection for this study was conducted in different private dental practices of Lahore from Oct-2017 to Dec-2017. Methods; A random sample of 60 dental practices were selected by means of stratified sampling from different towns of Lahore. Dentists were interviewed and patient records were checked for data collection which is analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Interview of 43 dentists and analysis of patient records from their practices revealed that 16 (37.2%) practices have no record at all and even none of the remaining 27 (62.8%) practices. Who claim to have patient records, has any properly completed record. Shows that dentists have got very casual behavior towards record keeping as most of them were not having any records and the remaining ones who claimed to have patient records, were maintaining them in a very poor form. Conclusion: Female dentists, postgraduates and dentists working in group practices and affluent areas were found to have relatively more tendency towards record keeping. Recommendation; Dentist training institutes and health implementing authorities are the main areas which need to be stressed upon for improvement of record keeping. Keywords: (MESH) Record keeping, Dental photography, Dentist, Post-graduate, Health authorities, Affluent areas.

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Nano Silver Coated Surgical Apparels and Phaco Needles for Safety of Ophthalmic Surgeons in View of COVID-19 Pandemic

The Open Ophthalmology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874364102115010009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 9-12

Author(s):

Santosh Dnyanmote ◽

Jorge Alio ◽

Anuradha Dnyanmote

Keyword(s):

Healthcare System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Respiratory Virus ◽

Hospital Staff ◽

Infected Person ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Potential Source ◽

Corona Virus ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Recent Outbreak

Background: In view of the recent outbreak of the pandemic caused by novel corona virus 19 (n-covid) which has thrown the overall healthcare system that has created fear, apprehension and anxiety amongst all surgeons. Ophthalmic surgeons are no exceptions. The new corona virus is a respiratory virus of the Coronoviridae family containing a single strand of RNA which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. A person can get infected by the virus if the person is within 1 meter of a person with COVID 19 or by touching contaminated surface and then touching eyes, nose or mouth. Methods: Standard recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include frequent cleaning of hands using alcohol based hand rubs or soap and water. Covering the nose and mouth with a proper mask, covering skin, eyes, hair, hands and legs with proper apparel is important. Just like elderly members of the society, the healthcare workers who have some co-morbidity are susceptible to COVID-19 invasion. Asymptomatic carriers who may present with senile or pre-senile cataract can be a potential source of infection to other patients, hospital staff, surgeons and others. Conclusion: It is important that all the microsurgical instruments which will be used for phacoemulsification be properly sterilized. The surfaces of these instruments should remain free of contaminants as these instruments will be used multiple times in other patients as well.

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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Related to COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-sectional Study.

10.21203/rs.3.rs-770359/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Amina M. Al Marzouqi ◽

Michael E. Otim ◽

Heba H. Hijazi ◽

Leena S. Kehail ◽

Ramsha A. Kamal

Keyword(s):

United Arab Emirates ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health pandemic that continues to have an impact on many aspects of everyday life. This study investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 among healthcare workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional study design. The original data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed via a Google Forms link. Participants were healthcare workers currently working in the UAE healthcare facilities and recruited using snowball sampling. The questionnaire collected information on demographic variables and COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practice.Results: In total, the sample of 107 healthcare workers completed the survey. About 92% of the participants worked in public institutions, 87% were from Dubai, and 673% were female. The majority were aged 31–40 years (34.6%), and 43% were radiographers. 66.4% held bachelor’s degrees and Indian nationalities were (28%) and the Philippinos were (28%). Most (90.7%) participants knew the absence of fever did not mean that the virus could not transmit from an infected person, and 84.1% agreed that wearing general medical masks prevented one from contracting COVID-19. However, only 36.4% strongly believed that wearing a well-fitting face mask was effective. In addition, only 15.9% reported confidently managing patients with symptoms of COVID-19, and 54.2% reported that they were afraid of contracting the virus from patients. Almost half of the participants avoided patients who had symptoms of COVID-19. Conclusion: Overall, healthcare workers’ COVID-19-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices for healthcare workers in UAE healthcare facilities was very high. However, we found gaps in awareness regarding the spread of the pandemic. Our study recommends that providing healthcare workers with education programs and counseling services would help increase their confidence in treating patients with COVID-19.

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Healthcare Workers Preparedness for COVID-19 Pandemic in the Occupied Palestinian Territory: A Cross-sectional Survey

10.21203/rs.3.rs-112643/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Osaid Alser ◽

Heba Alghoul ◽

Zahra Alkhateeb ◽

Ayah Hamdan ◽

Loai Albarqouni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Gaza Strip ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupied Palestinian Territory ◽

Governmental Institutions ◽

Palestinian Territory

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to overwhelm the capacity of a vulnerable healthcare system in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Sufficient training of healthcare workers (HCWs) in managing COVID-19 and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential in allowing oPt to mount a credible response to the crisis.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated online questionnaire between March 30, 2020 and April 12, 2020. Primary outcomes were availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness in oPt for COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary outcome was regional and hospital differences in oPt in terms of availability of PPE and HCWs preparedness.Results: Of 138 respondents, only 38 HCWs (27.5%) always had access to facemasks and 15 (10.9%) for isolation gowns. Most HCWs did not find eye protection (n=128, 92.8%), N95 respirators (n=132, 95.7%), and face shields (n=127, 92%) always available. Compared to HCWs in West Bank, those in the Gaza Strip were significantly less likely to have access to alcohol sanitizers (p=0.03) and gloves (p <0.001). On average, governmental hospitals were significantly less likely to have all appropriate PPE than non-governmental institutions (p = 0.001). Only 16 (11.6%) surveyed felt confident in dealing with a potential COVID-19 case, 57 (41.3%) having received any COVID-19-related training, and 57 (41.3%) not having a local hospital protocol. Conclusion: HCWs in oPt are underprepared and severely lacking adequate PPE provision. The lack of PPE provision will exacerbate spread of COVID-19 and deepen the crisis, whilst putting HCWs at risk.

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The “business” of dentistry: Consumers’ (patients’) criteria in the selection and evaluation of dental services

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253517 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0253517

Author(s):

Laura Gray ◽

Lisa McNeill ◽

Weiming Yi ◽

Anastasia Zvonereva ◽

Paul Brunton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dental Treatment ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Geographic Region ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Chi Square ◽

Dental Services ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Chi Square Analysis

The dimensions of patient-centred care include not only clinical effectiveness and patient safety, but, importantly, the preferences of patients as consumers of healthcare services. A total of 249 participants were included in the study, with a balanced population proportional representation by age, gender, ethnicity and geographic region of New Zealand. An online questionnaire was used to identify participants’ decision-making process, and what factors and barriers for participants to seek dental treatment. Cross-tabulations, Spearman correlation analysis and Pearson Chi-Square analysis were used for the statistical analyses. Three most common reasons for visit were check-up (77%), clean (57%) and relief of pain 36%). A desire to treat a perceived problem was the most common encouraging factor to seek dental care. Cost was the most common barrier to seeking dental services. The majority of participants attended a private practice (84%), with convenience of location and referral from professionals the most likely to influence their choice. Participants felt the most important trait a dental practitioner could demonstrate was to discuss treatment options with them before any treatment. Dental check-up, teeth cleaning and relief of pain were the most common reasons for patients to choose dental services. Cost and ethnicity of the consumers had a significant impact on how dental services were perceived and sought. Dental practitioners may need to reorientate how they express value of oral health practice, not just in regard to communication with patients, but also with government funding agencies.

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Posterior Restoration Selection Among General Dental Practices in Malaysia: A Preliminary Study

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia ◽

10.31436/imjm.v18i2.97 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Abdul Azim Asy Abdul Aziz ◽

Aimi Amalina Ahmad ◽

Azlan Jaafar ◽

Norazlina Mohammad ◽

Aws H Ali AlKadhim

Keyword(s):

Kuala Lumpur ◽

Chi Square ◽

Posterior Teeth ◽

Moisture Control ◽

Dental Practitioners ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Dental Practices ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Deep Cavities ◽

Significant Factors

Introduction: Tooth restoration is a common, routine procedure among dentists but still has its own difficulties especially for posterior teeth. As it is a straightforward procedure, some dentists are not aware of the difficulties that may contribute in reducing the longevity of the filling. The aim of the study is to determine the difficulties encountered during and after placement of restorative materials in deep cavities. Materials and methods: Standardized questionnaires were divided randomly among general private dental practitioners in Kuala Lumpur. Chi-square test was used to determine any significant factors associated with difficulties of material placement. Results: This study showed that the most frequent difficulties encountered among practitioners were to obtain good moisture control (39.0%). No significant association was found between obtaining good moisture control and year of clinical experience (p= 0.286) and also place of graduation with the manipulation of the materials (p= 0.542). Conclusion: Dental practitioners claimed that it was difficult to obtain good moisture control in placement of posterior restoration. Thus, it is an obligation of dental practitioners to practice proper isolation and good manipulation of materials on posterior restoration.

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Behaviours regarding preventive measures against pandemic H1N1 influenza among Italian healthcare workers, October 2009

Eurosurveillance ◽

10.2807/ese.14.49.19432-en ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 14 (49) ◽

Author(s):

G La Torre ◽

D Di Thiene ◽

C Cadeddu ◽

W Ricciardi ◽

A Boccia

Keyword(s):

Healthcare Workers ◽

Preventive Measures ◽

H1n1 Influenza ◽

The United States ◽

Pandemic H1n1 ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Pandemic H1n1 Influenza ◽

Region Of Residence ◽

Similar Survey ◽

Harvard School

A survey on attitudes and behaviours towards preventive measures against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 was carried out during the month of October 2009 in Italy through an online questionnaire adapted to the Italian situation from a similar survey of the Harvard School of Public Health in the United States (US). Results show that the intention to get vaccinated against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 is generally low and that there are differences in attitudes and behaviours towards preventive measures against pandemic H1N1 influenza 2009 between physicians and nurses, especially concerning vaccination. Differences relate also to sex, region of residence and marital status.

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Treatment of classic mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) with oligo/ anhydramnion between 22 – 26 weeks’ gestation by means of continuous amnioinfusion: a randomized multicentric prospective controlled TRIAL

10.21203/rs.3.rs-572519/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Michael Tchirikov ◽

Christian Haiduk ◽

Miriam Tchirikov ◽

Marcus Riemer ◽

Stephan Henschen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Amniotic Fluid ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Periventricular Leukomalacia ◽

German Society ◽

Multicenter Trial ◽

Control Group ◽

Amniotic Cavity ◽

Port System ◽

One Year ◽

Interventional Group

Abstract Background: The classic mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), is defined as rupture of fetal membranes prior to 28 weeks’ gestation (WG) with oligo/ anhydramnion, complicates approximately 0.4-0.7% of all pregnancies and is associated with very high neonatal mortality and morbidity.Antibiotics have limited success to prevent bacterial growth, chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammation. The repetitive amnioinfusion doesn’t work because of immediately fluid lost after the intervention. The continuous amnioinfusion through the transabdomianal port system or catheter in patients with classic PPROM shows promise by flush out of bacteria and inflammatory components from the amniotic cavity, replacing amniotic fluid and thus prolonging PPROM-to-delivery interval.Aim: This multicenter trial tests the effect of continuous amnioinfusion on the neonatal survival without the typical major morbidities, like severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis one year after the delivery.Methods/Design: randomized multicenter trial; two-arm parallel design. Control group: PPROM patients between 22/0 (20/0) -26/0 WG treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids in accordance to guidelines of German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (standard PPROM therapy). In the interventional group the standard PPROM therapy will be complemented by “Amnion Flush Method” with the amnioinfusion of artificial amniotic fluid (up to 100 ml/h, 2400 ml/day).Subjects: 68 patients with classic PPROM between 22/0 (20/0)-26/0 WG.TRIAL-registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04696003 and German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00024503, January 2021.The trial is approved by the Ethic committee of the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (2020-185, January 25, 2021).

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