scholarly journals Impact of Attending a Healthcare Conference in Toronto During the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Crisis: Survey of Delegates

2004 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 137-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Stinson ◽  
Colin JL McCartney ◽  
Andrea Leung ◽  
Joel Katz
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Prospective Survey ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
Level Of Concern ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Screening Measures

OBJECTIVE:To describe the impact on delegates of attending the Canadian Pain Society's annual meeting in Toronto during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) crisis in May 2003.METHODS:A prospective survey design was used. Surveys were sent to all delegates (n=432) who attended the conference, and 294 delegates responded (68% response rate). The survey was developed to determine the level of concern about travelling to Toronto; the adequacy of screening measures; the level of stress about attending; and the occupational consequences of attending.RESULTS:Fifty per cent of the participants were not concerned about travelling to Toronto, while the other 50% expressed some concern ranging from mild to serious. Concerns included being exposed to SARS and fear of transmitting it to others upon return. Reasons for attending the conference despite concern included a desire for continuing education, decrease in the number of reported SARS cases, and perceived minimal risk. Almost one-half (n=140) felt the screening measures at the conference were adequate, while 4% felt they were inadequate and 9% somewhat adequate. Delegates (n=99) suggested that temperature-taking (32.2%), improved screening vigilance (14.4%), SARS screening forms checked daily (9.1%), strictly controlled entry (8.1%) and adopting hospital screening procedures (7.1%) should have been instituted.CONCLUSION:Health care professionals planning conferences in this era of new respiratory diseases can benefit from understanding the responses of delegates who attended conferences during outbreaks. Clear communication about the potential risks and benefits, as well as instituting full screening precautions, will help to allay concerns.

scholarly journals 375. COVID 19 infection in a Massachusetts community hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S257-S258
Author(s):  
Raul Davaro ◽  
alwyn rapose
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
High Mortality ◽  
Case Series ◽  
World Health ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has led to 105690 cases and 7647 deaths in Massachusetts as of June 16. Methods The study was conducted at Saint Vincent Hospital, an academic health medical center in Worcester, Massachusetts. The institutional review board approved this case series as minimal-risk research using data collected for routine clinical practice and waived the requirement for informed consent. All consecutive patients who were sufficiently medically ill to require hospital admission with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection by positive result on polymerase chain reaction testing of a nasopharyngeal sample were included. Results A total of 109 consecutive patients with COVID 19 were admitted between March 15 and May 31. Sixty one percent were men, the mean age of the cohort was 67. Forty one patients (37%) were transferred from nursing homes. Twenty seven patients died (24%) and the majority of the dead patients were men (62%). Fifty one patients (46%) required admission to the medical intensive care unit and 34 necessitated mechanical ventilation, twenty two patients on mechanical ventilation died (63%). The most common co-morbidities were essential hypertension (65%), obesity (60%), diabetes (33%), chronic kidney disease (22%), morbid obesity (11%), congestive heart failure (16%) and COPD (14%). Five patients required hemodialysis. Fifty five patients received hydroxychloroquine, 24 received tocilizumab, 20 received convalescent plasma and 16 received remdesivir. COVID 19 appeared in China in late 2019 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Our study showed a high mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (43%) as opposed to those who did not (5.7%). Hypertension, diabetes and obesity were highly prevalent in this aging population. Our cohort was too small to explore the impact of treatment with remdesivir, tocilizumab or convalescent plasma. Conclusion In this cohort obesity, diabetes and essential hypertension are risk factors associated with high mortality. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit who need mechanical ventilation have a mortality approaching 50 %. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Antiviral therapy of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-133
Author(s):  
Slobodan Janković
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Hiv Protease ◽  
Hiv Protease Inhibitors ◽  
Antiviral Action ◽  
Efficacy And Safety ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Nucleotide Analogue ◽  
Potential Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid response to the needs of critically ill patients, and one of the solutions was re-purposing of drugs with wide spectrum of antiviral action for treatment of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The re-purposing characteristically started with outof-label use in single or series of cases, to continue after the first promising results with randomised clinical trials. There are several drugs that are currently tested in ongoing clinical trials: antimalarials hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, HIV protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir, broad spectrum antivirals umifenovir (anti-influenza drug) and favipiravir, antiparasitary drug ivermectin and nucleotide analogue remdesivir. However, up to date only a few trials are completed and published, precluding definitive conclusions about efficacy and safety of these drugs. Until major clinical trials are completed, physicians who decide to use these drugs out-of-label should properly inform their patients of all potential risks and benefits and seek for their consent before administration of the drugs.

scholarly journals Toward a More Comprehensive Type of Analysis in Photovoice Research: The Development and Illustration of Supportive Question Matrices for Research Teams

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 160940692091471
Author(s):  
Qingchun Wang ◽  
Karin Hannes
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Comprehensive Approach ◽  
Power Relationships ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Analytical Process ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Research Cycle ◽  
Analytical Strategies ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
The Impact

In this article, we present a comprehensive approach to analysis to assist researchers in conducting and analyzing photovoice studies. A screening of primary studies in four systematic reviews focusing on photovoice research revealed that the focus of analysis of researchers is the narrative provided with the photos from the participants, which undermines the potential of the photos themselves to provide meaning. In addition, the analytical effort of photovoice researchers is often limited to the interpretive phase in their projects. The question matrices we developed facilitate photovoice researchers who aim to give more weight to photos as an interpretive medium and wish to extend their analytical lens to different phases of a research cycle. They focus our analytical attention on three different sites—site of production, site of photo, and site of audiencing, and three different modalities—technological modality, compositional modality, and social modality. The matrices are designed to present an overview of the important dimensions that researchers might need to take into account when conducting photovoice research studies. We provide relevant examples to illustrate the potential risks and benefits of the analytical choices we make. Photovoice researchers should increase their awareness of the impact of our choices on the analytical process and avoid the analytical strategies that may disempower participants and reproduce existing power relationships.

The Potential Risks and Benefits of High Intensity Exercise: A Brief Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Sean Swearingen ◽  
Kim Allan Williams Sr
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
High Intensity Exercise ◽  
Cardiac Complications ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Intense Exercise ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Clinical Benefits ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Potential Risks

Despite extensive research demonstrating the clinical benefits of exercise, the possibility of adverse effects from high intensity exercise causes patients to shy away from achieving the full cardiac benefits of physical activity. Although it is possible for high intensity exercise to lead to cardiac complications, for the average American the benefits far outweigh the risks. By understanding the possible pathology that can develop with high intensity exercise, and evaluating who is truly at risk for harmful events related to intense exercise, most individuals can return to their physical activity of choice with the knowledge that they are improving their health and are at minimal risk of self-harm.

Change in Service Provision Networks: The Case of Animal Welfare Services

2021 ◽  
pp. 0160323X2110092
Author(s):  
Laura A. Reese ◽  
Xiaomeng Li
Keyword(s):  
Service Provision ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Network Evolution ◽  
Political Factors ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Organizational Ties ◽  
The Impact

This research focuses on change within informal service provision networks, specifically examining the impact that changes within a key organization can have on the larger network. Employing a before and after survey design with a treatment at the midpoint and participant observation, it asks: What is the impact of a major change within one organization on the larger external network? What is the nature of the organizational ties? and, How do political factors exogenous to the network impact the network evolution process? The findings suggest that internal change within a focal actor can have ripple effects throughout the network increasing density. Public service provision at the local level can be enhanced through an increase in partnerships between the public and nonprofit sectors. However, network evolution can be limited by the larger political environment and lack of a coordinating role on the part of local government.

scholarly journals Neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biyan Nathanael Harapan ◽  
Hyeon Joo Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
Fisher Syndrome ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, is responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenging world issue. Although most COVID-19 patients primarily develop respiratory symptoms, an increasing number of neurological symptoms and manifestations associated with COVID-19 have been observed. In this narrative review, we elaborate on proposed neurotropic mechanisms and various neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications of COVID-19 reported in the present literature. For this purpose, a review of all current published literature (studies, case reports, case series, reviews, editorials, and other articles) was conducted and neurological sequelae of COVID-19 were summarized. Essential and common neurological symptoms including gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, altered mental status, confusion, delirium, and dizziness are presented separately in sections. Moreover, neurological manifestations and complications that are of great concern such as stroke, cerebral (sinus) venous thrombosis, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are also addressed systematically. Future studies that examine the impact of neurological symptoms and manifestations on the course of the disease are needed to further clarify and assess the link between neurological complications and the clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19. To limit long-term consequences, it is crucial that healthcare professionals can early detect possible neurological symptoms and are well versed in the increasingly common neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19.

Are e-learning Webinars the future of medical education? An exploratory study of a disruptive innovation in the COVID-19 era

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Colin J. McMahon ◽  
Justin T. Tretter ◽  
Theresa Faulkner ◽  
R. Krishna Kumar ◽  
Andrew N. Redington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Learning ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the impact of the Webinar on deep human learning of CHD. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey design study used an open and closed-ended questionnaire to assess the impact of the Webinar on deep learning of topical areas within the management of the post-operative tetralogy of Fallot patients. This was a quantitative research methodology using descriptive statistical analyses with a sequential explanatory design. Results: One thousand-three-hundred and seventy-four participants from 100 countries on 6 continents joined the Webinar, 557 (40%) of whom completed the questionnaire. Over 70% of participants reported that they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the Webinar format promoted deep learning for each of the topics compared to other standard learning methods (textbook and journal learning). Two-thirds expressed a preference for attending a Webinar rather than an international conference. Over 80% of participants highlighted significant barriers to attending conferences including cost (79%), distance to travel (49%), time commitment (51%), and family commitments (35%). Strengths of the Webinar included expertise, concise high-quality presentations often discussing contentious issues, and the platform quality. The main weakness was a limited time for questions. Just over 53% expressed a concern for the carbon footprint involved in attending conferences and preferred to attend a Webinar. Conclusion: E-learning Webinars represent a disruptive innovation, which promotes deep learning, greater multidisciplinary participation, and greater attendee satisfaction with fewer barriers to participation. Although Webinars will never fully replace conferences, a hybrid approach may reduce the need for conferencing, reduce carbon footprint. and promote a “sustainable academia”.

scholarly journals Development of a Rapid Risk and Impact Assessment Tool to Enhance Response to Environmental Emergencies in the Early Stages of a Disaster: A Tool Developed by the European Multiple Environmental Threats Emergency NETwork (EMETNET) Project

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma-Jane Goode ◽  
Eirian Thomas ◽  
Owen Landeg ◽  
Raquel Duarte-Davidson ◽  
Lisbeth Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Protection Mechanism ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Environmental Disasters ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Potential Risks ◽  
The Impact

AbstractEvery year, numerous environmental disasters and emergencies occur across the globe with far-reaching impacts on human health and the environment. The ability to rapidly assess an environmental emergency to mitigate potential risks and impacts is paramount. However, collating the necessary evidence in the early stages of an emergency to conduct a robust risk assessment is a major challenge. This article presents a methodology developed to help assess the risks and impacts during the early stages of such incidents, primarily to support the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism but also the wider global community in the response to environmental emergencies. An online rapid risk and impact assessment tool has also been developed to promote enhanced collaboration between experts who are working remotely, considering the impact of a disaster on the environment and public health in the short, medium, and long terms. The methodology developed can support the appropriate selection of experts and assets to be deployed to affected regions to ensure that potential public health and environmental risks and impacts are mitigated whenever possible. This methodology will aid defensible decision making, communication, planning, and risk management, and presents a harmonized understanding of the associated impacts of an environmental emergency.

Feasibility and preliminary data for a State-wide South Carolina Lupus Registry

Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 096120332110145
Author(s):  
Brittany L Smalls ◽  
Trevor D Faith ◽  
Hetlena Johnson ◽  
Edith M Williams
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Preliminary Data ◽  
Autoimmune Disorder ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Small Samples ◽  
Control Board ◽  
Prospective Survey ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus is an autoimmune disorder whose cause and reason for disproportionate impact on minorities remains enigmatic. Furthermore, statistics describing lupus incidence and prevalence are outdated and often based on small samples. To begin to address this disparity this report describes preliminary data to be utilized in the development of a state-wide lupus registry in South Carolina. Methods A prospective survey and retrospective data from the South Carolina Budget and Control Board Office of Research & Statistics were used to capture data pertaining to knowledge of lupus, prevalence, and access to lupus care. Results Retrospective ORS data indicated there were 11,690 individuals living with lupus in 2014 with the average direct cost of $69,999.40 in medical care. Prospective surveys (N = 325), in over 16 locations in South Carolina, showed 31% knew someone with lupus, 16% had been diagnosed with lupus, and 50% did not know of a medical facility that treated lupus. Conclusion A lupus registry and repository will provide ongoing access for researchers on the impact of lupus on communities in South Carolina. Lupus is highly prevalent, but disproportionately represented in terms of patient information and participation in clinical trials, so it is also expected that this preliminary work will provide an ongoing process in which the medical community can better engage lupus patients.

scholarly journals Building capacity for implementation—the KT Challenge

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes T. Black ◽  
Marla Steinberg ◽  
Amanda E. Chisholm ◽  
Kristi Coldwell ◽  
Alison M. Hoens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Practice Change ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Science Literature ◽  
Health Care Settings ◽  
Improvement Programs ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The KT Challenge program supports health care professionals to effectively implement evidence-based practices. Unlike other knowledge translation (KT) programs, this program is grounded in capacity building, focuses on health care professionals (HCPs), and uses a multi-component intervention. This study presents the evaluation of the KT Challenge program to assess the impact on uptake, KT capacity, and practice change. Methods The evaluation used a mixed-methods retrospective pre-post design involving surveys and review of documents such as teams’ final reports. Online surveys collecting both quantitative and qualitative data were deployed at four time points (after both workshops, 6 months into implementation, and at the end of the 2-year funded projects) to measure KT capacity (knowledge, skills, and confidence) and impact on practice change. Qualitative data was analyzed using a general inductive approach and quantitative data was analyzed using non-parametric statistics. Results Participants reported statistically significant increases in knowledge and confidence across both workshops, at the 6-month mark of their projects, and at the end of their projects. In addition, at the 6-month check-in, practitioners reported statistically significant improvements in their ability to implement practice changes. In the first cohort of the program, of the teams who were able to complete their projects, half were able to show demonstrable practice changes. Conclusions The KT Challenge was successful in improving the capacity of HCPs to implement evidence-based practice changes and has begun to show demonstrable improvements in a number of practice areas. The program is relevant to a variety of HCPs working in diverse practice settings and is relatively inexpensive to implement. Like all practice improvement programs in health care settings, a number of challenges emerged stemming from the high turnover of staff and the limited capacity of some practitioners to take on anything beyond direct patient care. Efforts to address these challenges have been added to subsequent cohorts of the program and ongoing evaluation will examine if they are successful. The KT Challenge program has continued to garner great interest among practitioners, even in the midst of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and shows promise for organizations looking for better ways to mobilize knowledge to improve patient care and empower staff. This study contributes to the implementation science literature by providing a description and evaluation of a new model for embedding KT practice skills in health care settings.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document