Articles: pandemics.
-
The abrupt change in care delivery caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may have left some patients, particularly those with chronic conditions, unable to receive timely and appropriate routine care. Understanding the effect of the pandemic and the switch to virtual care for patients with chronic conditions requires in-depth qualitative feedback from providers who care for these patients. ⋯ For many patients with chronic conditions, virtual care is a promising approach to provide ongoing management in primary care. However, more tailored strategies may be needed to care for sicker, more vulnerable patients.
-
Neuromusculoskeletal injuries (NMSKI) are very common in the military, which contribute to short- and long-term disability. ⋯ Body region, sex, age, rank, and branch were the salient factors for NMSKI. The significant protective effect during the pandemic was likely a function of reduced physical exposure and limited access to nonurgent care. Geographically accessible specialized care, aligned with communities with the greatest risk, is needed for timely NMSKI prevention, assessment, and treatment.
-
Military Veterans have an increased risk of suicide compared to the general population, but less is known about changes in risk with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, or whether any changes have been moderated by psychiatric or demographic factors. The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that the likelihood of suicide attempt or death by suicide was stable during the first year of the pandemic versus the preceding year for the full sample. A second objective was to test the hypothesis that, in contrast, risk increased for Veteran subgroups characterized by traditional risk factors (e.g., psychiatric diagnosis). ⋯ The findings suggest that the pandemic has not led to an increase in suicidal behavior, which is consistent with other studies, although the degree of decline varied across diagnostic and demographic groups. Further longitudinal research is needed to evaluate whether the prolonged nature of COVID-19 may lead to changes in risk over time.
-
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a 1-week in-person Clinical Ultrasound Course was taught in African nations as part of a U.S. Department of State-funded program that supports and trains African peacekeepers serving with the United Nations and African Union. In order to maintain active engagement with host nations despite the travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, portions of the course were taught virtually in 2021 to providers in Ghana, Senegal, and Rwanda. An abbreviated course was delivered covering the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) trauma exam and vascular access. The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Clinical Ultrasound Course while taught in a virtual classroom. ⋯ Virtual delivery of the Clinical Ultrasound Course was successful. Participants felt more comfortable in all aspects of ultrasound taught during the course and indicated that they were more likely to use ultrasound in clinical practice. This demonstrates that virtual ultrasound teaching is a viable option for international educational programs in the future.
-
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lives of military members and their families, with over 400,000 cases among U.S. military members since the start of the pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine and compare COVID-19 vaccination coverage of military members (active duty and Reserve/National Guard) and their family members (spouses, children, and adolescents) to that of their civilian counterparts using a large, nationally representative study. ⋯ Despite vaccine mandates and the high vaccination coverage found among the majority of military members, disparities exist in some subgroups. Educational interventions and increased communication from trusted leaders, such as medical providers and commanders, could increase confidence in vaccines among military families. Ensuring access to vaccines, empowering healthcare providers to recommend vaccines, and reminding parents of missed vaccinations or preventive checkups can help improve vaccination coverage. Achieving high vaccination among military members and their families is essential in protecting those in the forefront of the pandemic response and promoting the safety and security of the nation.