Articles: pandemics.
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Pediatric emergency care · Feb 2025
Changes in Seasonal Patterns for Common Pediatric Respiratory Viruses During the COVID Pandemic.
Observed alterations in seasonal patterns of common pediatric respiratory viruses during and immediately after the COVID-19 pandemic had far-reaching implications for the care of ill children. Here, we quantify the effects of the pandemic and related nonpharmaceutical interventions on the prevalence and seasonality of common pediatric respiratory illnesses. ⋯ Our observations add to the growing body of literature supporting the hypothesis that human interactions are one of the key drivers of pediatric respiratory viral seasonality in addition to climate. Understanding the effect of human interactions on disease spread is crucial for the development of effective mitigation measures for future pandemics while avoiding dangerous spikes of other illnesses once those interventions are lifted.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Feb 2025
Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge, Views, and Perceptions of the Roles and Functions of Research Ethics Committees: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.
This survey examined healthcare professionals' knowledge, views, and perceptions of the responsibilities and functions of Research Ethics Committees (RECs). The study aimed to analyze ethical principles and operational issues faced by RECs and guide researchers, journal editors, and publishers on publication ethics notes. ⋯ Healthcare professionals comprehend the basics of REC duties and responsibilities. However, improvements in the consistency and efficiency of ethics evaluations are still warranted. The COVID-19 pandemic stressed the importance of adaptive REC procedures; researchers, editors, and publishers learned a vitally important lesson. More efforts are warranted to increase REC member training, simplify administrative procedures, and define standard operating procedures in times of crisis. Continuous progress in these areas will allow RECs to maintain high ethical standards while supporting productive research. Editors and publishers will greatly benefit from related advances in research ethics considerations.
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The threat of the H5N1-influenza virus prompts reflection on COVID-19 pandemic experiences. This paper integrates insights from a first responder using the Cynefin framework to advocate for an adaptive strategic approach to future pandemics. Balancing individual freedoms with containment measures serves to leverage the human capital needed for rapid learning and resource distribution. ⋯ Both operate within scale free human systems which must adapt to existential challenges such as pandemics. Experience leading to knowledge and understanding occurs simultaneously at all dimensions of human existence. Ultimately, adaptive leadership and decentralized decision-making, supported by the best available knowledge, enable effective pandemic management and restoration of normal societal functions.
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To evaluate for increases in the use and costs of respiratory viral testing in pediatric emergency departments (EDs) because of the COVID-19 pandemic. ⋯ Respiratory testing and associated costs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and were sustained despite decreasing incidence of disease. These findings highlight a need for further efforts to clarify indications for viral testing in the ED and efforts to reduce low-value testing.