Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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The aim of the present study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics, exposure features, and prophylactic care aspects of cases that presented to the emergency department of 1 state hospital in Turkey between 2013 and 2017 because of the risk of rabies contact. ⋯ It would be beneficial to increase the number of studies regarding animal control, make correct and complete mandatory reporting, properly maintain the risky contact record, and create better pet vaccination cards in Turkey. The training deficiencies of related personnel at risk for contact with rabies are a major public health problem.
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Efficient identification and isolation of patients with communicable diseases limits exposure to health care workers, other patients, and visitors. In August 2014, our team developed and implemented an algorithm to triage suspected cases of Ebola virus disease in a midwestern United States emergency department and outpatient clinics based on patient travel history and symptoms. Here, we present the lessons learned and modifications to update the tool. ⋯ Although highly hazardous communicable diseases like Ebola virus disease and MERS are of concern due to their mortality rates and limited treatment options, these same concepts may be applied to the early identification and isolation of patients suspected of having more common communicable diseases like measles and influenza, emphasizing the importance of protocol-based screening in the healthcare environment.
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The purpose of this study was to rapidly quantify the safety measures regarding donning and doffing personal protective equipment, complaints of discomfort caused by wearing personal protective equipment, and the psychological perceptions of health care workers in hospitals in Wuhan, China, responding to the outbreak. ⋯ Active training on infection and protective equipment could reduce the infection risk. Working for long hours increased the occurrence of discomfort and skin erosion. Reducing the working hours and having adequate protective products and proper psychological interventions may be beneficial to relieve discomfort.