Articles: personal-protective-equipment.
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Expert Rev Respir Med · Apr 2021
ReviewPersonal protective equipment in the siege of respiratory viral pandemics: strides made and next steps.
Introduction: In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 originated from China, and spread rapidly to several countries, bringing a frightening scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPE). The CDC recommends N95 or higher-level particulate filtering respirators as part of the PPE while caring for patients with COVID-19, with facemasks as an alternative; and cloth face-coverings in public where social distancing of at least 6 ft. is not feasible. With new evidence about the efficacy of facemasks, knowledge gaps remain. ⋯ Solutions to ameliorate pandemic preparedness to meet surge-capacity to efficiently combat future pandemics, should they arise, are discussed. Expert opinion: PPE, when used appropriately in addition to other infection control measures, is effective protection during respiratory viral pandemics. The current evidence suggests that wearing facemasks in the community is protective, especially if used consistently and correctly with other infection control measures such as hand hygiene.
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Meta Analysis
Intraosseous versus intravenous access while wearing personal protective equipment: a meta-analysis in the era of COVID-19.
Obtaining vascular access is one of the key procedures performed in patients in emergency settings. ⋯ This comprehensive meta‑analysis suggested that the use of PPE significantly extends the duration of intravascular procedures. However, under PPE conditions, operators were able to obtain intraosseous access in a shorter time and with a higher success rate than in the case of intravenous access.
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Review Comparative Study
Communication Chaos from Discrepancies in Personal Protective Equipment and Preoperative Guidelines.
To compare personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines, specifically respirator use, among international public health agencies, academic hospitals, and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) departments in the United States for the care of coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) patients. ⋯ V Laryngoscope, 131:E746-E754, 2021.
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Acta neurochirurgica · Mar 2021
ReviewShould neurosurgeons continue to work in the absence of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 era?
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Many healthcare workers, including neurosurgeons, have expressed concern about how to safely and adequately perform their medical responsibilities in these challenging circumstances. ⋯ This paper offers an ethical investigation of whether neurosurgeons should perform their professional responsibilities with limited availability of PPE. We evaluate ethical considerations and conflicting duties and thereby hope to facilitate providers in making a well-considered personal and moral decision about this challenging issue.