scholarly journals Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody in Hospital Staff in Double-Center Setting: A Preliminary Report of a Cohort Study From Iran

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamran Bagheri Lankarani ◽  
Behnam Honarvar ◽  
Navid Omidifar ◽  
Majid Pakdin ◽  
Mohsen Moghadami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Infection Risk Factors ◽  
High Risk Populations ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
Proper Disposal

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 in China in late 2019 was an unprecedented catastrophe that also involved many other countries, including Iran. Concerning the danger of disease contagion, it is necessary to detect asymptomatic or mild cases, especially in hospital staff who are highly exposed to the disease. Objectives: In this serosurvey study, we aimed to estimate IgG seroprevalence among hospital staff in two public hospitals to determine local transmission and infection risk factors, as well as protective immunity among high-risk populations. Methods: Screening was offered to the hospital staff of two public hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Screening involved the measurement of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Besides, a checklist that consisted of questions about sociodemographic, occupational, and epidemiological characteristics was completed by the participants. Results: Among 494 participants in this study, 29 (5.8%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in their blood. Besides, 320 (64.8%) had at least one of the clinical symptoms within six months before this survey. Among participants with positive PCR, nine (21.4%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while this figure was seven (33.3%) for individuals with positive CT scans. Non-proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes (OR = 26.5), rotational daily work shifts (OR = 7.5), being anxious about getting COVID-19 (OR = 3.8), and age (OR = 1.06) were the significant determinants of having anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the hospital staff. Conclusions: It is essential to continue training and giving technical consultations about COVID-19, especially the proper disposal of used protective equipment or infectious wastes in rotational daily shift workers.

scholarly journals Infection control practices and challenges in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multicentre cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
And Control

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.

scholarly journals Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Austad ◽  
Michel Juarez ◽  
Hannah Shryer ◽  
Patricia L. Hibberd ◽  
Mari-Lynn Drainoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis. Results Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks. Conclusions Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of preventive and anti-epidemic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among patients and medical personnel of an antitubercular hospital during the pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 8-14
Author(s):  
Temirov Nemat Moidunovich ◽  
Mamyrova Kanykey Kanybekovna ◽  
Abdimomunova Begimay Toktobolotovna ◽  
Satybaldieva Ayzirek Topchubaevna ◽  
Zholdoshev Saparbay Tezekbaevich
Keyword(s):  
High Efficiency ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Tuberculosis Control ◽  
Control Center ◽  
Adequate Ventilation ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Spread Of Infection

The commonality of mechanisms and ways of transmission of new coronavirus infection and tuberculosis increases the risk of spreading pathogens and determines common preventive approaches. The aim of the work was to assess the effectiveness of preventive and anti-epidemic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among patients and medical personnel of an antitubercular hospital during the pandemic. Given the specifics of TB hospital developed and implemented a complex of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which includes the identification and isolation of sources of infection, disinfection of air and adequate ventilation, disinfection of surfaces, use of personal protective equipment. The article describes the group morbidity of COVID-19 patients in an antitubercular hospital, which was caused by the introduction of infection into the hospital by patients in the incubation period. Timely measures made it possible to localize the situation and prevent the widespread spread of infection. The complex of measures for the protection of medical personnel has shown its high efficiency, which was manifested in the absence of cases of illness of personnel working in the «red zone». The absence of a consistent epidemic spread of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 among patients and hospital staff of the R.G. Bauer Jalal-Abad Regional Tuberculosis Control Center allows us to use the described experience of conducting preventive and anti-epidemic measures in medical organizations of this type.

Effective quality systems: implementation in Australian public hospitals

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1044-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra G. Leggat ◽  
Cathy Balding
Keyword(s):  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Quality Systems ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Quality Care ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
Focus Group Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the implementation of seven components of quality systems (QSs) linked with quality improvement in a sample of Australian hospitals. Design/methodology/approach The authors completed a systematic review to identify QS components associated with measureable quality improvement. Using mixed methods, the authors then reviewed the current state of these QS components in a sample of eight Australian hospitals. Findings The literature review identified seven essential QS components. Both the self-evaluation and focus group data suggested that none of the hospitals had all of these seven components in place, and that there were some implementation issues with those components that were in use. Although board and senior executives could point to a large number of quality and safety documents that they felt were supporting a vision and framework for safe, high-quality care, middle managers and clinical staff described the QSs as compliance driven and largely irrelevant to their daily pursuit of safe, high-quality care. The authors also found little specific training in quality improvement for staff, lack of useful data for clinicians on the quality of care they provide and confusion about how organisational QSs work. Practical implications This study provides a clearer picture of why QSs are not yet achieving the results that boards and executives want to achieve, and that patients require. Originality/value This is the first study to explore the implementation of QSs in hospitals in-depth from the perspective of hospital staff, linking the findings to the implementation of QS component identified in the literature.

scholarly journals Using surgical wrapping material for the fabrication of respirator masks

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna H Meijer ◽  
Joric Oude Vrielink
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Clinical Staff ◽  
Surgical Instruments ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Filter Efficiency

AbstractGiven the current shortage of respirator masks and the resulting lack of personal protective equipment for use by clinical staff, we examined bottom-up solutions that would allow hospitals to fabricate respirator masks that: (i) meet requirements in terms of filtering capacities, (ii) are easy to produce rapidly and locally, and (iii) can be constructed using materials commonly available in hospitals worldwide. We found that Halyard H300 material used for wrapping of surgical instruments and routinely available in hospitals, met these criteria. Specifically, three layers of material achieved a filter efficiency of 94%, 99%, and 100% for 0.3 μm, 0.5 μm, and 3.0 μm particles, respectively; importantly, these values are close to the efficiency provided by FFP2 and N95 masks. After re-sterilization up to 5 times, the filter’s efficiency remains sufficiently high for use as an FFP1 respirator mask. Finally, using only one layer of the material satisfies the criteria for use as a ‘surgical mask’. This material can therefore be used to help protect hospital staff and other healthcare professionals who require access to suitable masks but lack commercially available solutions.

scholarly journals Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of tick-borne borreliosis in the Krasnodar Krai

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-11
Author(s):  
M. G. Avdeeva ◽  
D. Yu. Moshkova ◽  
L. P. Blazhnyaya ◽  
V. N. Gorodin ◽  
S. V Zotov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Course Of Disease ◽  
Krasnodar Krai ◽  
Natural Foci ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics ◽  
The City

The purpose of the study the improvement of early diagnostics of Lyme disease on the based of clinical and epidemiological analysis of the main clinical forms of the acute course of the disease in new natural foci in the Krasnodar Krai. Patients and methods. There was analyzed the clinical course of disease and epidemiological data for 207 patients in the early period of acute course of Lyme disease within the period from 2004 to 2013. Results. In the territory of the Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Adygea there has formed a set of foci of tick-borne borreliosis (TB), i.e. Lyme disease (LD). The infection of cases is observed not only in the natural foci of disease, but also within the city limits. The disease is registered mainly in the erythematous form (74% of patients), non-erythematous form accounts for 26%. The average age of patients was 41,1±1,83, years, males 38%, females 62%. In the non-erythematous form initial clinical symptoms are recorded in average in 11,6 ± 2,20 days after tick suction; in the erythematous form in 6,4 ± 0,70 days ( p

Abstract 20: Kawasaki Disease In France: Incomplete Forms Are Frequent And Associated With A High Frequency Of Cardiac Complications

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Piram ◽  
Martha Darce Bello ◽  
Stéphanie Tellier ◽  
Etienne Merlin ◽  
Elise Launay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Coronary Aneurysm ◽  
National Registry ◽  
Biological Data ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
Mixed Ancestry ◽  
Coronary Abnormalities ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

KD is the main vasculitis affecting children < 5 years and the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children. Its epidemiology is few reported in France. Even if IVIG is still the standard treatment; the management of patients at risk for cardiac complications may change toward reinforced (and new) therapeutic approaches. Kawanet is a clinical and biological data repository aimed to define the epidemiological characteristics of KD in France. Methods: Institutional physicians received information on a national registry for KD. All patients suspected with KD and seen since 2011 were eligible to enter the study. An eCRF was implemented in a web database.The included patients without the AHA international criteria were reviewed by an experts' committee. Results: 468 cases were entered by 84 physicians from 65 centers. The AHA classification gave: 280 complete KD, and 73 incomplete KD. An expert consensus classified 48 other patients as probable leading to 401 patients considered as KD (M229/F72). 67 were excluded (incomplete data or doubful). The median age at diagnosis was 3.1y (2m-14y). Their ethnical backgrounds were: European Caucasian 67%, Eastern Caucasian/North African 15%, afro-Caribbean 13%, Asian 4% and mixed ancestry 1%. The clinical symptoms were (%): conjunctivitis 84, cheilitis 82, diffuse exanthema 74, modification of the extremities 73, oral erythema 66, cervical adenopathy 52, raspberry tongue 49, seat erythema 26, perineal desquamation 18 and BCG erythema 5. The cardiac complications were: coronary dilatation 30%, pericarditis 15%, coronary aneurysm 4%, and myocarditis 3% (1 death). 392/401 (98%) patients received IVIG, 64 (21%) and 5 required 2 and 3 courses. The mean treatment delay was 6 days. The factors associated with the coronary abnormalities were: male gender (p=0.01), young KD onset age (p=0.03), and resistance to IVIG (p=0.03). conclusion: KD diagnosis remains challenging and overdiagnosis represents at least 10% of cases in this registry. Incomplete forms of KD account for 37 % and are associated with coronary dilatation/aneurysm (34%; p<0.01) and a high rate of IVIG resistance. Unlike previous studies, our population is very mixed with 28 % of children from the Middle East and Africa, in whom KD is still few reported.

scholarly journals Telomere Length as a Biomarker of Biological Aging in Shift Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caterina Ledda ◽  
Carla Loreto ◽  
Venerando Rapisarda
Keyword(s):  
Telomere Length ◽  
Biological Aging ◽  
Work Schedule ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
Occupational Physicians ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Health Advice ◽  
Basic Biology ◽  
Biology Of Aging

Shift work (SW) comprises a work schedule that involves recurring times of nonstandard work hours balanced to a fixed daily work plan with regular day work times and has been evaluated as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) by IARC. SW may result in increased age acceleration. This systematic review aims to elucidate the usefulness of telomere length as a biomarker of biological aging in shift workers. All studies analyzed underline a shortening of telomere length in SW, and aging in shift workers and duration of work. Methodologies to measure biological aging are possible to advance efforts to clarify the basic biology of aging and provide clinicians an instrument to communicate complex health advice to workers. Telomere length measures can also give an instrument for precision medicine, useful for occupational physicians in age-related screening conditions.

scholarly journals Brokers on the Ward

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 92-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahaduz Zaman ◽  
Sjaak van der Geest
Keyword(s):  
Social Inequality ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Considerable Influence ◽  
Local Character ◽  
The Social ◽  
Level Hospital

Abstract This paper is based on an ethnographic study conducted in a public hospital in Bangladesh. The study shows how the social dynamics necessary to deal with the structural realities of the hospital give this cosmopolitan institution a local character. In this paper, we describe this local character by focusing on the lower-level hospital staff, such as ward boys, cleaners, and gatemen. Social inequality and exclusion are rampant in Bangladeshi public hospitals. Doctors and nurses are unwilling to communicate with patients and their relatives, while the latter are unable to approach the former for specific help or information. Our research, shows how low-level support workers fill the void between the two “factions” and act as brokers transporting information and activities between these factions. By doing so they do not only make a crucial contribution to the functioning of the ward, but also gain considerable influence in spite of their low position.

Ensuring Adequate Human Medical Resources during an Avian Influenza A/H5N1 Pandemic

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoko Mitani ◽  
Etsuko Ozaki ◽  
Naohisa Fujita ◽  
Tsukuru Hashimoto ◽  
Isao Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Physical Therapists ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Private Hospitals

AbstractIntroduction:When countermeasures are taken against an avian influenza (AI) pandemic in a hospital, it is essential to know the potential number of staff who would choose to be absent. The purpose of this study was to clarify how many medical staff would be willing to work during a pandemic, and requirements to secure adequate human resources.Methods:From September to December 2008, a total of 3,152 questionnaires were sent to five private hospitals and one public hospital, which represent the core hospitals in the regions of Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo Prefectures. Participants consisted of hospital staff including: (1) physicians; (2) nurses; (3) pharmacists; (4) radiological technologists (RTs); (5) physical therapists (PTs); (6) occupational therapists (OTs); (7) clinical laboratory technologists (CLTs); (8) caregivers; (9) office clerks; and (10) others. They were queried about their attitude toward pandemics, including whether they would come to the hospital to work, treat patients, and what kinds of conditions they required in order to work.Results: A total of1,975 persons (62.7%) responded. A total of 204 persons (10.6%) would not come to the hospitals during a pandemic, 363 (18.8%) would perform their duties as usual, unconditionally, 504 (26.1%) would come to hospitals but not treat AI patients, and 857 (44.5%) would report to the hospital and treat AI patients with some essential conditions. These essential conditions were: (1) personal protective equipment (PPE) (80.0%); (2) receipt of workmen's compensation (69.3%); (3) receipt of anti-virus medication (58.2%); and (3) receipt of pre-pandemic vaccination (57.8%).Conclusion:During a pandemic, all types of health professionals would be lacking, not only physicians and nurses. This study indicates that ensuring sufficient medical human resources would be difficult without the provision of adequate safety and compensation measures.

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