Articles: coronavirus.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has led to adaptations being made to all aspects of the NHS, including general practice, acute medical specialties and oncology. This has presented unique challenges to acute oncology services (AOSs) in how to provide continuity of care while maintaining the safety of patients and staff. ⋯ The patient population reviewed in April 2020 (at the initial peak of the pandemic in the UK) was markedly different to one reviewed in April 2019, with 55% more patients presenting with a new diagnosis of cancer via an emergency route. Finally, we suggest changes to AOSs for future waves of the pandemic.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2021
Analysis of the Effects of COVID-19 Mask Mandates on Hospital Resource Consumption and Mortality at the County Level.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threatens vulnerable patient populations, resulting in immense pressures at the local, regional, national, and international levels to contain the virus. Laboratory-based studies demonstrate that masks may offer benefit in reducing the spread of droplet-based illnesses, but few data are available to assess mask effects via executive order on a population basis. We assess the effects of a county-wide mask order on per-population mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) utilization, and ventilator utilization in Bexar County, Texas. ⋯ There was no reduction in per-population daily mortality, hospital bed, ICU bed, or ventilator occupancy of COVID-19-positive patients attributable to the implementation of a mask-wearing mandate.
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While all patients with chronic disease have undoubtedly been affected by the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, individuals with end-stage renal failure have suffered significant excess morbidity and mortality. Patients on haemodialysis have received extensive research and media attention into their vulnerability to the disease; however, those receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) have been much less visible. We surveyed a selection of patients from a cohort receiving PD at a tertiary renal unit in Birmingham, UK. ⋯ Worryingly, 58% of respondents indicated that they feel negatively, or feel ambivalent, about the future. Patients receiving PD have suffered significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and face ongoing difficulties and risks while accessing medical care. It is vital that this cohort is not forgotten in the planning of renal services during the pandemic, and that special attention is paid to both their physical and mental health.
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Southern medical journal · Sep 2021
Early Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Telehealth Patterns in Primary Care, Mental Health, and Specialty Care Facilities in Texas.
Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many US clinics have shifted some or all of their practice from in-person to virtual visits. In this study, we assessed the use of telehealth among primary care and specialty clinics, by targeting healthcare administrators via multiple channels. ⋯ These findings highlight the adaptability of clinics to quickly transition and adopt telehealth. Uncertainty about reimbursement and policy changes may make the shift temporal, however.
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Sep 2021
Clinical TrialCOVID-19 serology in nephrology healthcare workers.
Chronic kidney disease patients show a high mortality in cases of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV‑2) infection. Thus, information on the sero-status of nephrology personnel might be crucial for patient protection; however, limited information exists about the presence of SARS-CoV‑2 antibodies in asymptomatic individuals. ⋯ Using a broad spectrum of antibody tests the present study revealed inconsistent results for SARS-CoV‑2 seroprevalence among asymptomatic individuals, while this was not the case among COVID-19 patients.