Gastrointestinal endoscopy
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Gastrointest. Endosc. · Oct 2020
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the workflow of an ambulatory endoscopy center: an assessment by discrete event simulation.
As community-based ambulatory endoscopy centers (AECs) across the nation are trying to reopen and safely resume outpatient endoscopic procedures after the unprecedented lockdown related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, guidelines recommend pretesting and screening for COVID-19 along with other mitigation measures for the safety of patients and staff. The impact of such changes in the workflow of AECs on throughput and other performance indicators is largely unknown, although a significant reduction in revenue stream is expected. ⋯ Pretesting and screening for COVID-19 as recommended by current guidelines will significantly impact the productivity and revenue stream of AECs. Urgent measures by payors are needed to adjust the facility reimbursement of endoscopy centers to ensure successful reopening and ramping up outpatient endoscopy services in these facilities already hit hard by the pandemic.
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Gastrointest. Endosc. · Sep 2020
Review Comparative StudyCOVID-19 pandemic and personal protective equipment shortage: protective efficacy comparing masks and scientific methods for respirator reuse.
The abrupt outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 and its rapid spread over many healthcare systems throughout the world has led to a shortage in personal protective equipment (PPE), which cannot be solved by reducing their use or by increasing production. It is thus necessary to promote PPE rational use, highlighting possible differences in terms of efficacy and promoting an effective technique to reuse them. ⋯ Rational use and successful reuse of respirators can help in the shortage of PPE during a pandemic. Further studies testing UVGI and other decontamination techniques are an unmet need. The definitive answer to pandemic issues can be found in artificial intelligence and deep learning. These groundbreaking modalities could help in identifying high-risk patients and in suggesting appropriate types and use of PPE.