scholarly journals A Wi-Fi–Based Mask-Type Laryngoscope for Telediagnosis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Instrument Validation Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youngjin Moon ◽  
Jaeho Hyun ◽  
Jeongmin Oh ◽  
Kwanhee Lee ◽  
Yoon Se Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Video Streaming ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Access Point ◽  
Force Sensor ◽  
Frame Rate ◽  
Viral Spread ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Inexperienced User

BACKGROUND Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become mandatory. Wireless endoscopy in contactless examinations promises to protect health care workers and reduce viral spread. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to introduce a contactless endoscopic diagnosis system using a wireless endoscope resembling a mask. METHODS The Wi-Fi–based contactless mask endoscopy system comprises a disposable endoscope and a controller. First, the effective force applied by the tip during insertion was evaluated in a simple transoral model consisting of a force sensor on a simulated oropharynx wall. Second, the delay in video streaming was evaluated by comparing the frame rate and delays between a movement and its image over direct and Wi-Fi connections. Third, the system was applied to a detailed laryngopharyngeal tract phantom. RESULTS The smartphone-controlled wireless endoscopy system was successfully evaluated. The mean, maximum, and minimum collision forces against the wall of the transoral model were 296 mN (30 gf), 363 mN (37 gf), and 235 mN (24 gf), respectively. The delay resulting from the wireless connection was 0.72 seconds. Using the phantom, an inexperienced user took around 1 minute to orient the endoscope to a desired area via the app. CONCLUSIONS Device articulation does not pose a significant risk of laryngopharyngeal wall penetration, and latency does not significantly impede its use. Contactless wireless video streaming was successful within the access point range regardless of the presence of walls. The mask endoscope can be controlled and articulated wirelessly, minimizing contact between patients and device operators. By minimizing contact, the device can protect health care workers from infectious viruses like the coronavirus. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals 460. Point-of-Care, In-Home SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Testing to Assess Seroprevalence in At-Risk Health Care Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S297-S297
Author(s):  
Eric G Meissner ◽  
Christine Litwin ◽  
Tricia Crocker ◽  
Elizabeth Mack ◽  
Lauren Card
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Documented Infection ◽  
Inconclusive Result ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Health care workers are at significant risk for infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Methods We utilized a point-of-care, lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay (RayBiotech) to conduct a seroprevalence study in a cohort of at-risk health care workers (n=339) and normal-risk controls (n=100) employed at an academic medical center. To minimize exposure risk while conducting the study, consents were performed electronically, tests were mailed and then self-administered at home using finger stick blood, and subjects uploaded a picture of the test result while answering an electronic questionnaire. We also validated the assay using de-identified serum samples from patients with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Between April 14th and May 6th 2020, 439 subjects were enrolled. Subjects were 68% female, 93% white, and most were physicians (38%) and nurses (27%). In addition, 37% had at least 1 respiratory symptom in the prior month, 34% had cared for a patient with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, 57% and 23% were worried about exposure at work or in the community, respectively, and 5 reported prior documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. On initial testing, 3 subjects had a positive IgG test, 336 had a negative test, and 87 had an inconclusive result. Of those with an inconclusive result who conducted a repeat test (85%), 96% had a negative result. All 3 positive IgG tests were in subjects reporting prior documented infection. Laboratory validation showed that of those with PCR-proven infection more than 13 days prior, 23/30 were IgG positive (76% sensitivity), whereas 1/26 with a negative prior PCR test were seropositive (95% specificity). Repeat longitudinal serologic testing every 30 days for up to 4 times is currently in progress. Conclusion We conducted a contact-free study in the setting of a pandemic to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in an at-risk group of health care workers. The only subjects found to be IgG positive were those with prior documented infection, even though a substantial proportion of subjects reported significant potential occupational or community exposure and symptoms that were potentially compatible with SARS-COV-2 infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Symptoms in Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Epidemic. A Cross-Sectional Survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Magnavita ◽  
Giovanni Tripepi ◽  
Reparata Rosa Di Prinzio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Workers

In March–April 2020, the Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic suddenly hit Italian healthcare facilities and in some of them many staff members became infected. In this work 595 health care workers from a public company were tested for Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (82 positive) and asked to complete a questionnaire on early COVID-19 symptoms. Respiratory symptoms were present in 56.1% of cases. Anosmia and dysgeusia in COVID-19 cases were found to have an odds ratio (OR) = 100.7 (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 26.5–382.6) and an OR = 51.8 (95%CI 16.6–161.9), respectively. About one in three of the cases (29.3%) never manifested symptoms. Anxiety was reported by 16.6% of COVID-19 cases and depression by 20.3%, with a significant increase in the estimated risk (OR = 4.3; 95%CI = 2.4–7.4 for anxiety, OR = 3.5; 95%CI = 2.0–6.0 for depression). In cases, sleep was a significant moderating factor in the relationship between occupational stress, or organizational justice, and anxiety. The early diagnosis of COVID-19 in health care workers, must consider, in addition to respiratory disorders and fever, anosmia, dysgeusia, exhaustion, myalgias and enteric disorders. The frequency of anxiety and depression disorders in the population examined was not higher than that commonly recorded in the same company during periodic checks in the years preceding the epidemic. In COVID-19 cases there was a significant risk of anxiety, especially in those who had low sleep quality. Mental health support and improvement interventions must mainly concern workers with positive tests and should also tend to improve sleep quality.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Among Health Care Workers in Mumbai, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 101053952097730
Author(s):  
Nishant Kumar ◽  
Shibal Bhartiya ◽  
Shashank Desai ◽  
Amit Mutha ◽  
Amit Beldar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Seropositivity Rate ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Automated Immunoassay ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospitals

Aim To ascertain the seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among health care workers in tertiary care hospitals in Mumbai, India. Methods Health care workers (801) from designated COVID-19 hospitals (400) and non–COVID-19 facilities (401) underwent an electrochemiluminescent automated immunoassay for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Details including demographics, comorbidities, symptoms compatible with COVID-19, contact with COVID-19 individuals, personal protective equipment use at work, and details of polymerase chain reaction tests were collected through a validated questionnaire. Results Doctors (201, 25.1%), nurses (308, 38.5%), and ancillary workers (292, 36.5%) participated in the study. Seroprevalence in 801 participants was 11.1% (9.1% to 13.5%). It was significantly higher ancillary workers (18.5%, 14.5% to 23.3%) than doctors (7%, 4.2% to 11.4%) and nurses (6.8%, 4.5% to 10.2%). Seroprevalence was significantly higher in non–COVID-19 hospitals (13.5%, 10.5% to 17.2%) than COVID-19 hospitals (8.7%, 6.3% to 11.9%). Having a COVID-19 household contact was a significant risk for seropositivity (18.9% vs 10.3%), while a neighborhood contact did not affect seropositivity (9.4% vs 7.3%). Loss of taste/smell and fever were only 2 symptoms associated with seropositivity. Comorbidities did not affect the seropositivity rate. Conclusion Seropositivity was likely to be higher in ancillary workers and in non-COVID hospitals. There is need to enhance COVID protection protocols and awareness among all health care workers.

scholarly journals A study of percutaneous injuries amongst health care workers in a tertiary care hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 3637
Author(s):  
Aswin Geo Jacob ◽  
Divya Deodhar ◽  
Mary John
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Injury Rate ◽  
Mandatory Reporting ◽  
Needle Stick Injury ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Infection Control Program ◽  
Care Workers

Background: Percutaneous injuries (PCI) pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood borne pathogens to health care workers (HCWs). Their incidence is considerably higher than current estimates, and hence a low injury rate should not be interpreted as a non-existent problem.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year at a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India. As soon as the HCW sustains a PCI, they were instructed to report to the emergency department where note was made of all the details in the post exposure reporting form.Results: The incidence of PCI in this study was found to be 4.3%. PCIs were reported maximum among nursing staff (63.41%) compared to doctors (36.58%). Majority of PCIs were reported within 1 hour of sustaining the injury (57.1%). Needle stick injury was the commonest injury sustained by HCWs (84.5%). 91.46% of HCWs were fully immunized against hepatitis B.Conclusions: Preventing PCI is an essential part of infection control program in a hospital. Stress must be laid for mandatory reporting of all PCI irrespective of the source.

scholarly journals Assessment of occupational exposure to sharp injuries among health care workers in King Abdulaziz University Hospital

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 1756 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samia S. Abdulmageed ◽  
Fatmah Alabbassi ◽  
Mai Alradi ◽  
Nebras Alghanaim ◽  
Sundos Banjar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Work Overload ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
King Abdulaziz University ◽  
Sharps Injury ◽  
Sharps Injuries

Background: Sharps injuries are accidental infiltrating wounds that are typically the consequences of utilizing hazardous equipment in the usual fast-paced, and stressful health care setting. As a result, exposure to blood-borne pathogens from sharps injury poses a significant risk to health care workers. These injuries predispose the staff to dangerous infections such as hepatitis B, C and HIV. The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to sharps injuries among health care workers in King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Nurses, residents, dentists, and housekeepers working in the surgical ward, obstetrics and gynaecology ward, emergency department, operation room, labor and delivery room, and dental clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital were included. A random sample of 161 subjects was recruited in this study using a self-administered structured questionnaire.Results: Of 161 participants, 53 (32.90%) had a history of sharps injury. Among them 25 (47.16%) were nurses, both surgical and gynaecological residents had the same result of 11 (20.76%), and 6 (11.32%) of them were dentists. Most of the injuries had occurred during the use of the suture needle; 24 (45.28%) suggested that work overload was the main reason for sharps injury occurrence.Conclusions: Among health care workers, nurses were especially at risk of exposure to sharps injury. The most important risk factors for injury occurrence include long working hours, continuous rotating shifts, and work overload. Also, not all of the health care workers knew about the hospital’s reporting system.

scholarly journals Speech-Language Pathology Guidance for Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Multidisciplinary Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 1320-1334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charissa J. Zaga ◽  
Vinciya Pandian ◽  
Martin B. Brodsky ◽  
Sarah Wallace ◽  
Tanis S. Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
Electronic Communications ◽  
Standard Clinical Practice ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Consensus Statements

Purpose As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, there has been growing recognition of risks to frontline health care workers. When caring for patients with tracheostomy, speech-language pathologists have significant exposure to mucosal surfaces, secretions, and aerosols that may harbor the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This tutorial provides guidance on practices for safely performing patient evaluation and procedures, thereby reducing risk of infection. Method Data were collated through review of literature, guidelines, and consensus statements relating to COVID-19 and similar high-consequent infections, with a focus on mitigating risk of transmission to health care workers. Particular emphasis was placed on speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals. A multinational interdisciplinary team then analyzed findings, arriving at recommendations through consensus via electronic communications and video conference. Results Reports of transmission of infection to health care workers in the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous outbreaks substantiate the need for safe practices. Many procedures routinely performed by speech-language pathologists have a significant risk of infection due to aerosol generation. COVID-19 testing can inform level of protective equipment, and meticulous hygiene can stem spread of nosocomial infection. Modifications to standard clinical practice in tracheostomy are often required. Personal protective equipment, including either powered air-purifying respirator or N95 mask, gloves, goggles, and gown, are needed when performing aerosol-generating procedures in patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infection. Conclusions Speech-language pathologists are often called on to assist in the care of patients with tracheostomy and known or suspected COVID-19 infection. Appropriate care of these patients is predicated on maintaining the health and safety of the health care team. Careful adherence to best practices can significantly reduce risk of infectious transmission.

Knowledge of HIV Transmission and Risk Behaviour in Kenyan Health Care Workers

1993 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 200-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E Rogstad ◽  
G Tesfaledet ◽  
Mohammed S Abdullah ◽  
Imtyaz H Ahmed-Jushuf
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Sexual Behaviour ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Care Workers

In order to determine knowledge of HIV transmission, sexual risk behaviour and perception of risk in African health care workers, 200 employees at the Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya, were asked to complete an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. There was a 75% response rate. Twenty-five per cent believed that condoms were not protective against HIV transmission. Eighty-nine per cent believed oral sex to be a risk factor, as did 70% for kissing, 41% for masturbation of a partner and 43% for nursing an AIDS patient. Younger people were more likely to think condoms were ineffective ( P = 0.007) and that insect bites were a significant risk factor ( P = 0.004). Twenty-seven per cent had changed their sexual behaviour as a result of the AIDS epidemic, but 48% did not use condoms with non-regular partners. Four had current or previous homosexual relationships. Seventy per cent believed they were at risk of being HIV positive but only 12% had been tested. We have shown that even in the educated group, misconceptions regarding HIV transmission were high and many continue to be at risk for their sexual behaviour. In addition, in-service training regarding HIV transmission should be considered for health care workers in Africa.

scholarly journals GAAREIP: Indian Innovation of Caps and Personal Protective Equipment

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Aakash Pandita ◽  
Girish Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The World ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The world has recently been hit by a pandemic caused by the novel Coronavirus infection. The infection is highly contagious and possesses a significant risk for health care workers caring for the infected patients. With more than 200 countries being affected and around 3,00,000 deaths across the globe, the essential supply of masks and personal protective equipment has been falling short of the ever increasing need. In such crisis there is a need for innovating and designing endogenous masks and equipment to avoid compromise in care of the effected patients and for safeguarding the health of health care workers.

Why Music Majors Pursue Music Despite the Risk of Playing-related Injuries

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 89-96
Author(s):  
Anna Park ◽  
Christine Guptill ◽  
Thelma Sumsion
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Assistive Devices ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Music Majors ◽  
Career Goal ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
Care Workers

Music is an occupation that has existed across cultures and societies for millennia. What music means and how it is used differ depending on the context of an individual's life. University music majors often pursue music as a future career goal, despite the fact that playing-related injuries are a significant risk for this population and could end their careers. The purpose of this study was to investigate why university music majors pursue music despite the risk of playing-related injuries. This qualitative study used a naturalistic approach and focus groups to collect data. Nine students participated in two focus group sessions. The data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for themes. The results of the study indicate that both personal and environmental factors influence the participants' decision to continue to participate in music. Some students also were willing to play through pain, which is contrary to Maslow's theory of human needs, and many students experienced difficulties accessing desirable health care. Although an injury could terminate a student's ability to participate in music, the occupation of music itself transcended this danger. For several musicians, quitting was not a desirable option. These findings have clinical implications for health care workers with respect to modifying treatment to address musicians' specialized needs. Occupational therapists use a holistic and client-centered approach to care and offer interventions such as compensatory techniques, assistive devices, and methods of energy conservation that may facilitate continuing with this valued occupation.

Anabolic Steroids: Effect and Regulation

1996 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 313-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
James T. O'Donnell ◽  
Paul Tortoriello
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Anabolic Steroids ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Criminal Penalties ◽  
Synthetic Derivatives

Extracts of the testes of man and animal have been used for some time to enhance performance of a variety of sorts. Medical use of steroids dates back several decades, and recent intense athletic and fitness (bodybuilding) competition has driven some to use and abuse of testosterone and synthetic derivatives in the quest for that extra edge, despite a knowledge that anabolic steroids carry significant risk for liver, endocrine, and psychiatric toxicity, and also carry criminal penalties and disciplinary risks for athletes and health care workers who promote and traffic these substances outside their established medical uses.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document