Articles: personal-protective-equipment.
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Dermatologic therapy · Nov 2020
Evaluation of skin problems and dermatology life quality index in health care workers who use personal protection measures during COVID-19 pandemic.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin problems and dermatological life quality of the health care workers (HCWs) due to personal protection equipment (PPE) use, who are at high risk for COVID-19 infection. A questionnaire about HCWs' PPE use, their skin symptoms, and prevention, management methods and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was fulfilled. The median age of 440 participants was 33.5 (21.0-65.0) years old. ⋯ As the mask using period prolonged, acne was more common (P: .02). DLQI was significantly affected in women (P = .003), and with increased skin problems related to PPE (P < .001). It is important to organize trainings on prevention and management of possible skin symptoms due to PPE use according to guidelines.
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Patients who become severely ill from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a high likelihood of needing prolonged intubation, making tracheostomy a likely consideration. The infectious nature of COVID-19 poses an additional risk of transmission to healthcare workers that should be taken into consideration. ⋯ Thorough preprocedural planning, use of experienced personnel, enhanced personal protective equipment where available, and a thoughtful anesthesia approach are instrumental in maximizing positive patient outcomes while successfully protecting the safety of healthcare personnel. Laryngoscope, 130:2546-2549, 2020.
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Review
Methods for a Seamless Transition from Tracheostomy to Spontaneous Breathing in COVID-19 Patients.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected health care delivery worldwide. A small yet significant number of patients with respiratory failure will require prolonged mechanical ventilation while recovering from the viral-induced injury. ⋯ In this paper, we review the procedures and methods to safely care for patients with COVID-19 who require tracheostomy, gastrostomy, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and final decannulation. The guiding principles consist of modifications in the methods of airway care to safely prevent iatrogenesis and to promote safety in patients severely affected by COVID-19, including mitigation of aerosol generation to minimize risk for health care workers.
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The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is creating significant challenges to the Canadian health system, including the practice of interventional radiology (IR). Interventional radiology will continue to play an important role in patient care, during this crisis. ⋯ These strategies include reviewing procedural indications, development of tactics to minimize cross contamination prior to the intervention, appropriate usage of personal protection equipment according to the type of procedure (along with defining aerosol-generating procedures in IR), along with developing the appropriate work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting the policies described, hospitals will protect the interventional radiologists, medical radiation technologists, nurses, ancillary staff, along with patients who benefit from their care.