Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Sep 2020
ReviewHealthcare at the time of COVID-19: A review of the current situation with emphasis on anesthesia providers.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly around the world with devastating consequences on patients, healthcare workers, health systems, as well as economies. While, healthcare systems are globally operating at maximum capacity, healthcare workers and especially anesthesia providers are facing extreme pressures, something that is also leading to declining availability and increasing stress. In this regard, it is extremely concerning the fact that some regions worldwide have reported up to 20% of their cases to be healthcare workers. ⋯ As this pandemic accelerates, access to personal protective equipment for health workers is a key concern since at present, healthcare workers are every country's most valuable resource in the fight against COVID-19. Governments and heath organizations should take care of their staff and support them in any way possible. This review aims to describe the current situation anesthesia providers are facing in the setting of COVID-19 and provide solutions and evidence on important concerns, including which guidance to follow, the level of equipment that is adequate, and the level of protection they need for every patient being administered an anesthetic.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Sep 2020
ReviewUse of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of post total knee arthroplasty pain.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a common elective surgical procedure, is indicated in patients with knee pain that becomes refractory to nonsurgical interventions, such as weight loss, physical activity, physical therapy, and pharmacologic treatment. However, postoperative chronic pain is frequently reported and may lead to opioid use and dependence. ⋯ As a consequence, alternative therapies, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are being tried to potentially replace traditional opioid use in treating persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP), thus reducing opioid dependence across the nation. Here, we provide a brief overview of persistent pain following TKA procedures, with a particular emphasis on the role of promising therapies, such as TENS, PRF, and SCS for the treatment of post-TKA pain.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Sep 2020
ReviewOccupational burnout syndrome and post-traumatic stress among healthcare professionals during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
This comprehensive review aims to explain the potential impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on mental wellbeing of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Based on up-to-date research and psychological diagnostic manuals of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition and International Classification of Diseases, 11th revision, we describe associated psychological disorders and experiences that may arise related to COVID-19. Appropriate psychological measures are introduced, along with potential methodological limitations. Lastly, resilience building and preventative measures with interventions that may mitigate the impact on mental health of HCPs are described.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · Sep 2020
ReviewUse of cannabidiol (CBD) for the treatment of chronic pain.
Chronic pain can be recurrent or constant pain that lasts for longer than 3 months and can result in disability, suffering, and a physical disturbance. Related to the complex nature of chronic pain, treatments have a pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach. ⋯ The current pharmaceutical products for the treatment of chronic pain are known as nabiximols, and they contain a ratio of THC combined with CBD, which has been promising. This review focuses on the treatment efficacy of CBD, THC: CBD-based treatments for chronic pain and adverse events with each.