Observational study of changes in utilization and outcomes in mechanical ventilation in COVID-19

Background The role of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in severe COVID-19 remains a matter of debate. Therefore, the utilization and outcome of NIV in COVID-19 in an unbiased cohort was determined. Aim The aim was to provide a detailed account of hospitalized COVID-19 patients requiring non-invasive ventilation during their hospital stay. Furthermore, differences of patients treated with NIV between the first and second wave are explored. Methods Confirmed COVID-19 cases of claims data of the Local Health Care Funds with non-invasive and/or invasive mechanical ventilation (MV) in the spring and autumn pandemic period in 2020 were comparable analysed. Results Nationwide cohort of 17.023 cases (median/IQR age 71/61–80 years, 64% male) 7235 (42.5%) patients primarily received IMV without NIV, 4469 (26.3%) patients received NIV without subsequent intubation, and 3472 (20.4%) patients had NIV failure (NIV-F), defined by subsequent endotracheal intubation. The proportion of patients who received invasive MV decreased from 75% to 37% during the second period. Accordingly, the proportion of patients with NIV exclusively increased from 9% to 30%, and those failing NIV increased from 9% to 23%. Median length of hospital stay decreased from 26 to 21 days, and duration of MV decreased from 11.9 to 7.3 days. The NIV failure rate decreased from 49% to 43%. Overall mortality increased from 51% versus 54%. Mortality was 44% with NIV-only, 54% with IMV and 66% with NIV-F with mortality rates steadily increasing from 62% in early NIV-F (day 1) to 72% in late NIV-F (>4 days). Conclusions Utilization of NIV rapidly increased during the autumn period, which was associated with a reduced duration of MV, but not with overall mortality. High NIV-F rates are associated with increased mortality, particularly in late NIV-F.

I don't leave my people; They need me: Qualitative research of local health care professionals' working motivations in Syria

Background The Syrian conflict has endured for a decade, causing one of the most significant humanitarian crises since World War II. The conflict has inflicted massive damage to civil infrastructure, and not even the health care sector has been spared. On the contrary, health care has been targeted, and as a result, many health professionals have left the country. Despite the life-threatening condition, many health professionals continued to work inside Syria even in the middle of the acute crisis. This qualitative study aims to determine the factors that have motivated Syrian health professionals to work in a conflict-affected country. Methods The research is based on 20 semi-structured interviews of Syrian health care workers. Interviews were conducted in 2016–2017 in Gaziantep, Turkey. A thematic inductive content analysis examined the motivational factors Syrian health care workers expressed for their work in the conflict area. Results Motivating factors for health care workers were intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic reasons included humanitarian principles and medical ethics. Also, different ideological reasons, patriotic, political and religious, were mentioned. Economic and professional reasons were named as extrinsic reasons for continuing work in the war-torn country. Conclusions The study adds information on the effects of the Syrian crisis on health care—from healthcare workers' perspective. It provides a unique insight on motivations why health care workers are continuing their work in Syria. This research underlines that the health care system would collapse totally without local professionals and leave the population without adequate health care.

Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Hutan sebagai Bahan Pengobatan Tradisional oleh Masyarakat Suku Dayak Meratus Kalimantan Selatan

The use of forest plants as medicinal materials is an essential part of the life of indigenous peoples, one of which is the Dayak tribe of the Meratus Mountains. This study aimed to analyze the use of plants as medicinal ingredients for the indigenous Cabai community in Patikalain Village, Hantakan District, Hulu Sungai Tengah Regency, which is part of the Meratus Mountains Dayak tribe. The method of data collection was done by semi-structured interviews. Selected respondents were determined by purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analyzed by tabulation matrix. There were 18 types of forest plants that were used as medicine by the indigenous people of Cabai. The most widely used plant habitats for medicinal purposes were shrubs/shrubs and trees. Roots and leaves were the most widely used plant parts in medicine. There were at least 23 diseases that could be treated with various types of plants. Forest plants were widely used for internal medicine compared to external medicine. Treatment using plant ingredients was the first alternative used by the community in medicine. If this did not work, then community members who were sick would be directed to seek treatment at the Local Health Care Unit. If modern medicine did not work, the next alternative, then additional treatment using traditional rituals, was the last option. This finding was a contribution to knowledge in the traditional medicine system of the local community.

The general characteristics and organic matters of therapeutic mud from Lake Noot (Mongolia)

In this investigation, we examined the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and organic matter of therapeutic mud from Lake Noot in the Arkhangai province of Mongolia. The therapeutic mud from “Lake Noot” is used in the pelotherapy of local health care services for some time but without deep characterization. Due to this, a study of therapeutic mud samples was required. Our research concentrated on identifying general characteristics, organic matter, mineralogical, and chemical composition of therapeutic mud at two different Lake Noot sites. Results showed that the therapeutic mud belongs to the continental hydrogen sulfide sticky mud type. The total organic matter in the therapeutic mud of Lake Noot was 14.44%. Total organic matter contains a humic substance of 42.17%, lipid 16.62%, and carbohydrate 7.13%. A total of 172 compounds were identified in the dissoluble organic matter of therapeutic mud, mainly of natural origin, using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The dominant compounds were saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons with 13–44 carbon atoms and carboxylic acids and their ethers. Some of the identified organic compounds have been reported antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Reducing inequality in avoidable emergency admissions: Case studies of local health care systems in England using a realist approach

Objective People in disadvantaged areas are more likely to have an avoidable emergency hospital admission. Socio-economic inequality in avoidable emergency hospital admissions is monitored in England. Our aim was to inform local health care purchasing and planning by identifying recent health care system changes (or other factors), as reported by local health system leaders, that might explain narrowing or widening trends. Methods Case studies were undertaken in one pilot and at five geographically distinct local health care systems (Clinical Commissioning Groups, CCGs), identified as having consistently increasing or decreasing inequality. Local settings were explored through discussions with CCG officials and stakeholders to identify potential local determinants. Data were analysed using a realist evaluation approach to generate context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. Results Of the five geographically distinct CCGs, two had narrowing inequality, two widening, and one narrowing inequality, which widened during the project. None of the CCGs had designed a large-scale package of service changes with the explicit aim of reducing socio-economic inequality in avoidable emergency admissions, and local decision makers were unfamiliar with their own trends. Potential primary and community care determinants included: workforce, case finding and exclusion, proactive care co-ordination for patients with complex needs, and access and quality. Potential commissioning determinants included: data use and incentives, and targeting of services. Other potential determinants included changes in care home services, national A&E targets, and wider issues - such as public services financial constraints, residential gentrification, and health care expectations. Conclusions We did not find any bespoke initiatives that explained the inequality trends. The trends were more likely due to an interplay of multiple health care and wider system factors. Local decision makers need greater awareness, understanding and support to interpret, use and act upon inequality indicators. They are unlikely to find simple, cheap interventions to reduce inequalities in avoidable emergency admissions. Rather, long-term multifaceted interventions are required that embed inequality considerations into mainstream decision making.

The impacts of collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations and factors shaping how they work: a systematic review of reviews

Background Policymakers in many countries promote collaboration between health care organizations and other sectors as a route to improving population health. Local collaborations have been developed for decades. Yet little is known about the impact of cross-sector collaboration on health and health equity. Methods We carried out a systematic review of reviews to synthesize evidence on the health impacts of collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations, and to understand the factors affecting how these partnerships functioned. We searched four databases and included 36 studies (reviews) in our review. We extracted data from these studies and used Nvivo 12 to help categorize the data. We assessed risk of bias in the studies using standardized tools. We used a narrative approach to synthesizing and reporting the data. Results The 36 studies we reviewed included evidence on varying forms of collaboration in diverse contexts. Some studies included data on collaborations with broad population health goals, such as preventing disease and reducing health inequalities. Others focused on collaborations with a narrower focus, such as better integration between health care and social services. Overall, there is little convincing evidence to suggest that collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations improves health outcomes. Evidence of impact on health services is mixed. And evidence of impact on resource use and spending are limited and mixed. Despite this, many studies report on factors associated with better or worse collaboration. We grouped these into five domains: motivation and purpose, relationships and cultures, resources and capabilities, governance and leadership, and external factors. But data linking factors in these domains to collaboration outcomes is sparse. Conclusions In theory, collaboration between local health care and non-health care organizations might contribute to better population health. But we know little about which kinds of collaborations work, for whom, and in what contexts. The benefits of collaboration may be hard to deliver, hard to measure, and overestimated by policymakers. Ultimately, local collaborations should be understood within their macro-level political and economic context, and as one component within a wider system of factors and interventions interacting to shape population health.

Building health system responsiveness to noncommunicable diseases for Gweru District adults, Zimbabwe: a case study

PurposeGweru District, Zimbabwe faces a major challenge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Globally, health systems have not responded successfully to problems in prevention and management of NCDs. Despite numerous initiatives, reorienting health services has been slow in many countries. Gweru District has similar challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore what the health systems in Zimbabwe have done, and are doing to respond to increasing numbers of NCD cases in adults in the nation, especially in the district of GweruDesign/methodology/approachThe study employed a descriptive narrative review of the academic and grey literature, supplemented by semi-structured key informant interviews with 14 health care staff and 30 adults living with a disease or caring for an adult with a disease in Gweru District.FindingsRespondents identified many limitations to the response in Gweru. Respondents said that screening and diagnosis cease to be helpful when it is difficult securing medications. Nearly all community respondents reported not understanding why they are not freed of the diseases, showing poor understanding of NCDs. The escalating costs and scarcity of medications have led people to lose trust in services. Government and NGO activities include diagnosis and screening, provision of health education and some medication. Health personnel mentioned gaps in transport, medication shortages, poor equipment and poor community engagement. Suggestions include: training of nurses for a greater role in screening and management of NCDs, greater resourcing, outreach activities/satellite clinics and better integration of diverse NCD policies.Research limitations/implicationsParticipant responses were greatly influenced by the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe, so responses may reflect short-term crises rather than long-term trends.Originality/valueThis research offers an understanding of NCD strategies and their limitations from the bottom-up, lived experience perspective of local health care workers and community members.

Changes in utilization and outcomes of mechanical ventilation of COVID-19 during the course of the pandemic in Germany in 2020: an observational study of 7,490 patients

Background The role of non invasive ventilation (NIV) in severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) remains a matter of debate. Methods In this observational study of confirmed COVID-19 cases claims data of the Local Health Care Funds of MV patients were comparably analysed: spring period of 2020 (February to May) versus autumn period (October/November). Findings In a nationwide cohort 7,490 cases were included: median age 70 (IQR 60to79) years, 66% male, hypertension 67%, diabetes 42%, cardiac arrhythmia 43%, congestive heart failure 34%, renal failure 27%. Overall, 3,851 (51%) patients primarily received invasive MV without NIV, 1,614 (22%) patients received NIV without having been escalated to intubation, and 1,247 (17%) patients had NIV failure (NIVF), defined by endotracheal intubation following NIV. Comparing cases of the first and second period, the proportion of patients who received invasive MV decreased from 74% to 39%. Accordingly, the proportion of patients with NIV without subsequent intubation increased from 10% to 28%, and those failing NIV increased from 9% to 21%. The overall median length of hospital stay decreased from 26 to 22 days, and the overall duration of MV decreased from 11.6 to 7.6 days. The NIV failure rate decreased from 49% (219/449) to 42% (927/2,185). Overall mortality remained unchanged (51% and 53% respectively). Mortality was 39% with NIV only, 52% with invasive MV and 66% with NIVF with mortality rates steadily increasing from 58% in early NIVF (day 1) to 75% in late NIV-F (>5 days). Interpretation The utilization of NIV rapidly increased during the autumn period compared to the spring period 2020, which was associated with a reduced duration of MV and hospital stay, but not with overall mortality. NIVF rates are high and are associated with increased mortality rates, particularly in late NIVF. In contrast, NIV success is associated with the lowest mortality rates.

Incidence and Death Rates from COVID-19 Are Not Always Coupled: An Analysis of Temporal Data on Local, Federal, and National Levels

SARS-CoV-2 has caused a deadly pandemic worldwide, placing a burden on local health care systems and economies. Infection rates with SARS-CoV-2 and the related mortality of COVID-19 are not equal among countries or even neighboring regions. Based on data from official German health authorities since the beginning of the pandemic, we developed a case-fatality prediction model that correctly predicts COVID-19-related death rates based on local geographical developments of infection rates in Germany, Bavaria, and a local community district city within Upper Bavaria. Our data point towards the proposal that local individual infection thresholds, when reached, could lead to increasing mortality. Restrictive measures to minimize the spread of the virus could be applied locally based on the risk of reaching the individual threshold. Being able to predict the necessity for increasing hospitalization of COVID-19 patients could help local health care authorities to prepare for increasing patient numbers.

Effects of a 4-Step Standard Operating Procedure for the Treatment of Fever in Patients With Acute Stroke

Background and Purpose: Fever in the acute phase of stroke leads to an unfavorable clinical outcome and increased mortality. However, no specific form of effective fever treatment has been established, so far. We analyzed the effectiveness of our in-house standard operating procedure (SOP) of fever treatment.Methods: This SOP was analyzed for a period of 33 weeks. Patients with cerebral ischemia (ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack) or cerebral hemorrhage (intracerebral, subarachnoid) and body temperature elevation of ≥ 37.5°C within the first 6 days after admission were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. The results of SOP group, who's data have been collected prospectively were then compared with a historical control group that had been treated conventionally 1 year earlier in the same period. The data of control group have been collected in retrospect. The primary endpoint was the total duration of the fever for the first 6 days after admission to the stroke unit.Results: A total of 130 patients (mean age of 78 ± 12) received 370 antipyretic interventions. Sequential application of paracetamol (n = 245), metamizole (n = 53) and calf compress (n = 15) led to significant reduction in body temperature. In patients who did not respond to these applications, normothermia could be achieved after infusion of the cooled saline solution. Normothermia could be achieved within 120 min in more than 90% of the cases treated by the SOP. The SOP reduced the fever duration in the 6 days significantly, from 12.2 ± 2.7 h [95% confidence interval (CI) for mean] in the control group to 3.9 ± 1.0 h (95% CI) in the SOP group (p < 0.001). The SOP was rated to be reasonable and effective.Conclusion: Our in-house SOP is cost-efficient and effective for fever treatment in stroke patients, that can be implemented by local health care professionals.