Internal medicine journal
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
The impact of COVID-19 telehealth on outpatient test completion.
Pathology and imaging tests are frequently requested in the outpatient setting despite historically poor completion rates. The impact of COVID-19 telehealth on test completion rates is unknown. ⋯ The COVID-19 pandemic and telehealth transition have resulted in more frequent pathology and imaging requests but fewer test completion in the outpatients setting. This study has identified new clinical risks associated with the abrupt transition to telehealth during COVID-19 that should be explored in future studies and appropriately mitigated.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
Do Health Service staff support the implementation of Voluntary Assisted Dying at their workplace?
On 29 November 2017, the Victorian Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) Act 2017, which came into effect on 19 June 2019. ⋯ This study found that health workers have concerns about the implementation of VAD at their workplace but are generally supportive. This article provides information for health services considering the implementation of VAD, about staff concerns and issues that need to be addressed for the successful introduction of VAD.
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Internal medicine journal · Oct 2021
ReviewImpact of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) Pandemic On Patients with Lysosomal Storage Disorders and Restoration Of Services: Experience from a specialist centre.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lysosomal disorders unit (LSDU) at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust (RFL), a highly specialised national service for diagnosis and management of adults with lysosomal storage disorders (LSD). Review of home care enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and emergency care, and COVID-19 shielding categories as per UK government guidance. New clinical pathways were developed to manage patients safely during the pandemic; staff well-being initiatives are described. ⋯ We provide an overview of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff and patients attending a highly specialised rare disease service. As far as we are aware, this is the first detailed narrative on the challenges and subsequent rapid adaptations made, both as part of a large organisation and as a specialist centre. Lessons learnt could be translated to other rare disease services and ensure readiness for any future pandemic.