Natl Med J India
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparing two different schedules of online learning for updated cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines in Covid-19 patients: A randomized study.
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an evolving disease with newly generated evidence related to the clinical management of Covid-19 patients. We aimed to compare two online learning schedules for disseminating new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines in terms of knowledge gain and acceptability among nurses. Methods In a prospective randomized controlled study, 61 nurses trained in comprehensive cardiopulmonary life support (CCLS) were randomized to synchronous (n=31) and asynchronous learning groups (n= 30). ⋯ Results Both schedules of online learning were effective in improving the knowledge scores of the nurses (11.93 [3.26] v. 21.15 [1.90], p=0.01 and 11.71 [3.12] v. 20.32 [1.71], p=0.01). The mean acceptability scores of nurses in the asynchronous group were statistically lower than in the synchronous group (38.93 [2.50] v. 42.5 [3.08], p=0.007). Conclusion Both synchronous and asynchronous schedules of online learning were effective in disseminating updated CPR guidelines; however, nurses in the synchronous group were more satisfied with the learning schedule.
-
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) infection not only affects the respiratory system but also induces coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis. We report a middle-aged woman who presented during the Covid-19 pandemic with sudden-onset acute left upper limb ischaemia of short duration, with no history of dry cough, breathlessness or fever, and tested positive on TrueNAT for SARS-CoV-2. Later, she developed deep venous thrombosis of the right lower limb during isolation in the hospital.
-
Background From the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, studies have observed an increased prevalence of psychological symptoms in the general population and healthcare providers. We studied the prevalence of psychological symptoms among the latter. Methods We did this study using a self-administered questionnaire among healthcare providers across India who were involved in caring/treating patients. ⋯ The prevalence of psychological problems was more among nursing staff compared to doctors (depression risk ratio [RR] 2.4, anxiety RR 1.73 and stress RR 2.93) and they were equal among both genders (depression RR 1.05, anxiety RR 1.06 and stress RR 1.21). Conclusions Our study shows that there is a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare providers, particularly among nursing care-providers. We suggest psychological interventions to nursing care-providers and also those who are vulnerable among doctors, to improve their mental health status.
-
Background There was a dramatic rise in the incidence of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis associated with the 2021 Covid-19 wave in India. We aim to document the demographic characteristics and risk factors of a consecutive cohort of inpatients with Covid-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (CAROM) during the surge of April-June 2021. Methods We included all patients of CAROM treated at our tertiary referral facility from 1 April to 14 June 2021. ⋯ Covid-19 infection may directly predispose to CAROM by way of lymphopenia and increased ferritin levels. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia is identified as a near-invariable association. Recent steroid use is noted as very frequent and was often received in excess of treatment advisories.
-
Background The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown in India caused disruptions in cancer treatment due to the restriction on movement of patients. We aimed to maintain continuity in cancer treatment during the lockdown through teleconsultations. We tried to reach out to our patients using telephonic consultations by establishing a Teleconsult Centre facility run by a team of doctors and patient navigators. ⋯ Symptoms suggestive of disease progression were picked up in 12 patients (0.67%, 95% CI 0.35%-1.17%), who were advised to meet local physicians. Conclusion Our study suggests that the majority of patients on follow-up can be managed with teleconsultation in times of crisis. Teleconsultation has the potential of being one of the standard methods of patient follow-up even during periods of normalcy.