scholarly journals Pressure Injuries Due to Personal Protective Equipment in COVID-19 Critical Care Units

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e7
Author(s):  
Stefano Bambi ◽  
Gian Domenico Giusti ◽  
Alessandro Galazzi ◽  
Elisa Mattiussi ◽  
Irene Comisso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Potential Influence ◽  
Critical Care Units ◽  
High Dependency ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Pressure Injury ◽  
Emollient Cream

Background Caring for patients with COVID-19 requires wearing a full set of personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid contamination. Personal discomfort has been associated with use of PPE, and anecdotal reports describe pressure injuries related to wearing PPE. Objectives To investigate the occurrence of device-related pressure injuries due to wearing PPE among Italian nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in critical care settings. Methods This descriptive study used an online survey investigating both the demographic characteristics of respondents and complications related to wearing PPE, including the development of pressure injuries. Results A total of 266 nurses throughout Italy completed the survey; 32% of respondents were men. Nurses’ median age was 36 years (range 22-59 years), and the median time spent working in their current clinical setting (an intensive care or high-dependency unit) was 3 years (range 0-32 years). Personal protective equipment was worn for a median duration of 5 hours (range 2-12 hours). While wearing PPE, 92.8% of nurses experienced pain and 77.1% developed device-related pressure injuries, mainly on the nose and forehead. Pain was more frequent among nurses with such injuries. Transparent dressings, emollient cream, and no dressing were associated with development of device-related pressure injury. Conclusions Pressure injuries related to PPE represent an important adverse effect for nurses caring for patients with COVID-19. This topic deserves study to determine adequate solutions for preventing and treating such injuries and their potential influence on nurses’ work tolerance.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians Working in the Head and Neck Field

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (01) ◽  
pp. e150-e159
Author(s):  
Rui Imamura ◽  
Ricardo F. Bento ◽  
Leandro L. Matos ◽  
William N. William ◽  
Gustavo N. Marta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Third

Abstract Background With the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical practice of physicians who work in the head and neck field in Brazil dropped dramatically. The sustained impact of the pandemic is not known. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to Brazilian otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, asking about their clinical practice in the third to fourth months of the pandemic. Results The survey was completed by 446 specialists. About 40% reported reduction of more than 75% in outpatient care. A reduction of 90% to 100% in airway endoscopies was reported by 50% of the responders, and the same rate of reduction regarding surgeries (pediatric or nasosinusal) was reported by 80% of them. Family income decreased by 50%, and the psychological burden on physicians was considerable. The availability of personal protective equipment and safety precautions were limited, especially in the public sector. Conclusion COVID-19 is still impacting the head and neck field, and safety concerns may hinder the prompt resumption of elective care.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personal Safety Measures Adopted by Medical Practioners during the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 883-887
Author(s):  
Hemapriya L ◽  
Maureen Prativa Tigga ◽  
Anil Kumar M.R ◽  
Prathap T ◽  
Neha Wali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Safety Measures

BACKGROUND A novel coronavirus (now termed as SARS-CoV-2) was detected as the causative agent of severe pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. Declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic in March 2020, it has created profound changes in global economy and healthcare systems. This study evaluates the knowledge and practice with regard to various personal safety measures used by the healthcare professionals. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire study after obtaining approval, from the Institutional ethical committee. An online survey was conducted using a preformatted questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions which assessed the knowledge and practices adopted by various healthcare professionals. The survey was done between 1st and 30th of June 2020 and a total of 536 responses was analysed. RESULTS 58.4 % of the participants were females, 66 % of the healthcare workers worked at a private hospital / private medical college with 82.1 % being located in urban areas. Of the 536 respondents, 90.1 % practiced bathing immediately after returning home and 86.8 % sanitized their accessories. 86.9 % of the professionals used frequent sanitization with use of mask and gloves whereas only 12.3 % used full personal protective equipment. 58 % of females had used hydroxychloroquine as prophylaxis whereas only 41 % of males used it (statistically significant, P = 0.005). Healthcare workers in younger age group (23 - 40 years) were more likely to maintain distance with family members, and government doctors were significantly more likely to do so (P < 0.001) as compared to private practitioners. CONCLUSIONS With the medical professionals being at high risk for contracting the infection, the need to provide the healthcare professionals with adequate personal protective equipment is of utmost importance. There is also a need to maintain the well-being of the healthcare professionals as they are the weakest link in the chain. KEY WORDS Medical Practitioners, Personal Protective Equipment, Safety Measures

scholarly journals UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON POST-GRADUATES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION IN THE STATES OF TELANGANA & ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 99-101
Author(s):  
Hema Praharaju ◽  
Shyam Sunder Indukuri ◽  
Venakata Madhav Makineni
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Andhra Pradesh ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Education In India ◽  
Graduate Trainees ◽  
The Impact

Post-graduate trainees in medical education in India have acted as key frontline healthcare staff during the COVID-19 pandemic,which has had a profound effect on them.This study used an online survey including 144 responses from postgraduate students in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India, to understand the impact of the pandemic on them.The survey contained question on personal protective equipment,psychological challenges being faced,clinical & administrative support received, effect on teaching & training, and perception of their services by patients & community. Personal protective equipment was deemed to be adequate by 21%. High levels of stress were described by 75%. Inadequate level of clinical and administrative support was reported by 39% and 46%, respectively. 72% felt that their training has been severely restricted.The majority of the respondents have had either verbal or physical abuse from patients or their attendants.This study highlighted the major problems and the difficult environment being faced by the trainees during the pandemic,and the necessity to address their concerns.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology in Inpatient and Outpatient Care in Germany: A Nationwide Survey Regarding the First and Second Wave

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Bernatz ◽  
Saif Afat ◽  
Ahmed E. Othman ◽  
Konstantin Nikolaou ◽  
Malte Sieren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Financial Support ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Likert Scales ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Inpatient And Outpatient Care ◽  
Second Wave

Objectives To find out the opinion of radiological inpatient and outpatient medical staff regarding the measures taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic during the first and second waves and to identify the measures that are still perceived as needing improvement. Materials and Methods We conducted an anonymous online survey among more than 10 000 radiologists/technicians in Germany from January 5 to January 31, 2021. A total of 862 responses (head physicians, n = 225 [inpatient doctors, n = 138; outpatient doctors, n = 84; N/A, n = 3]; radiologic personnel, n = 637 [inpatient doctor, n = 303; outpatient doctor, n = 50; inpatient technician, n = 217; outpatient technician, n = 26; N/A, n = 41]) were received. Questions of approximation, yes/no questions, and Likert scales were used. Results During the first/second wave, 70 % (86/123)/43 % (45/104) of inpatient and 26 % (17/66)/10 % (5/52) of outpatient head physicians agreed that they received financial support from the authorities but the majority rated the financial support as insufficient. During the first and second wave, 33 % (8/24) and 80 % (16/20) of outpatient technicians agreed that they were adequately provided with personal protective equipment. The perceived lack of personal protective equipment improved for all participants during the second wave. Inpatient [outpatient] technicians perceived an increased workload in the first and second wave: 72 % (142/198) [79 % (19/24)] and 84 % (146/174) [80 % (16/20)]. Conclusion: Technicians seem increasingly negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Financial support by the competent authorities seems to be in need of improvement. Key Points:  Citation Format

scholarly journals Personal protective equipment and infection prevention and control: a national survey of UK medical students and interim foundation doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Jane Norton ◽  
Ioannis Georgiou ◽  
Alex Fung ◽  
Armin Nazari ◽  
Soham Bandyopadhyay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multi Centre Study ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background The adequacy of personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control (IPC) training in UK medical students and interim Foundation Year 1 (FiY1) doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, as is its impact on COVID-19-related anxiety. Methods Cross-sectional, multi-centre study analysing self-reported adequacy of PPE and IPC training and correlation to a modified pandemic anxiety scale. Participants were current medical students and FiY1 doctors in the UK. Data were collected by an online survey. Results Participants reported that they received insufficient PPE information (43%) and IPC training (56%). Significantly, fewer participants identifying as women or BAME/mixed ethnicity reported receiving sufficient PPE information, compared with those identifying as men and White British/White Other, respectively. COVID-19-related anxiety was significantly higher in those without sufficient reported PPE or IPC training, in women compared with men, and in FiY1 doctors compared with medical students. Conclusions With medical students currently volunteering in and imminently returning to hospitals in an educational capacity, levels of self-reported PPE and IPC training are sub-optimal. Better training is paramount to avoid harm to patients and healthcare professionals and to reduce COVID-19-related anxiety among medical students and FiY1 doctors.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on rheumatology practice across Africa

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 392-398
Author(s):  
Richard O Akintayo ◽  
Akpabio A Akpabio ◽  
Asgar A Kalla ◽  
Dzifa Dey ◽  
Angela N Migowa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rheumatology Practice

Abstract Objectives To identify the changes in rheumatology service delivery across the five regions of Africa from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The COVID-19 African Rheumatology Study Group created an online survey consisting of 40 questions relating to the current practices and experiences of rheumatologists across Africa. The CHERRIES checklist for reporting results of internet e-surveys was adhered to. Results A total of 554 completed responses were received from 20 countries, which include six in Northern Africa, six in West Africa, four in Southern Africa, three in East Africa and one in Central Africa. Consultant grade rheumatologists constituted 436 (78.7%) of respondents with a mean of 14.5 ± 10.3 years of experience. A total of 77 (13.9%) rheumatologists avoided starting a new biologic. Face-to-face clinics with the use of some personal protective equipment continued to be held in only 293 (52.9%) rheumatologists’ practices. Teleconsultation modalities found usage as follows: telephone in 335 (60.5%), WhatsApp in 241 (43.5%), emails in 90 (16.3%) and video calls in 53 (9.6%). Physical examinations were mostly reduced in 295 (53.3%) or done with personal protective equipment in 128 (23.1%) practices. Only 316 (57.0%) reported that the national rheumatology society in their country had produced any recommendation around COVID-19 while only 73 (13.2%) confirmed the availability of a national rheumatology COVID-19 registry in their country. Conclusion COVID-19 has shifted daily rheumatology practices across Africa to more virtual consultations and regional disparities are more apparent in the availability of local protocols and registries.

EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM ABOUT BIOLOGICAL HAZARD SAFETY MEASURES KNOWLEDGE AMONG CRITICAL CARE NURSES

2021 ◽  
pp. 98-100
Author(s):  
Yasmin Abdalla
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Critical Care Nurses ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Biological Hazard ◽  
Nurses Knowledge

Background: communicable and contagious diseases and exposure to blood-borne pathogens make critical care nurses expose to biological work place hazard. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational program on critical care nurses' knowledge about safety measures of biological hazard. Methodology: It was a pre/post interventional, hospital-based study, study subjects were 200 intensive care nurses (34 males 17% and 166 females 83%) working for one year or more in critical care settings (8 units) in ve public hospitals, Khartoum state, Sudan. A structured face to face questionnaire was used pre and posttest. A program done by lectures about biological hazard, causes, and safety measures, sitting group's discussion and direct individual educational sessions, interview was carried with each hospital's matron. Results: Knowledge about biological hazard as work place hazards was 100% in both pre and post results. Regarding preventive measures of biological hazard, participants showed different values in answer like uses of personal protective equipment (PPE) mentioned by 99% in preprogram test while hand washing was mentioned by 49.5% in pretest evaluation, Personal protective equipment was poorly provided. Conclusion: The educational program for critical care nurses had efcient results, as the noticeable improvement of results of critical care nurses' knowledge about universal precautions.

scholarly journals Multiple Patient Monitoring in High Dependency Units: A Field Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 669-669
Author(s):  
Marie-Lys F. A. Deschamps ◽  
Penelope M. Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Simulation Study ◽  
Vital Sign ◽  
Patient Monitoring ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Alarm Fatigue ◽  
Critical Care Units ◽  
High Dependency ◽  
Australian Hospital

Much of the focus related to alarm fatigue has been directed towards reducing the number of alarms associated with vital sign monitoring. However, recent fieldwork conducted in four high dependency and critical care units of an Australian hospital suggests that the most problematic alarms were often unassociated with vital signs, such as IV pumps and mattress alarms. Many nurses indicated that they like alarms, even when false, because they support awareness of their patients’ well-being. Results of the fieldwork are guiding the design of a simulation study investigating clinical monitoring displays.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document