Articles: pandemics.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Telemedical Monitoring of Plantar Temperature in Diabetic Patients at Risk of Foot Ulcers—The Randomized Smart Prevent Diabetic Feet Trial.
The worldwide prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among persons with diabetes is estimated at 6.3%, with an annual incidence of 9.1 to 26.1 million persons. The early detection of asymmetrical plantar temperature elevation, followed by reduction of weight-bearing on the affected foot, may be an effective mode of prevention. ⋯ The tele-health system used in this trial is practical and enables the early detection of morbidity. Likely explanations for the unexpectedly low ulceration rate in this trial (and, in turn, for the lack of statistical significance) include the availability of a training program and regular follow-up examinations to patients in both arms of the trial, along with lower mobility levels due to the COVID pandemic.
-
Public health students have been seen as a potential force to meet the demand for health workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, few studies have provided empirical data. This study was conducted to summarize the experiences of public health students who engaged in voluntary service in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Guangzhou, China. ⋯ Most students improved their knowledge and skills about COVID-19 after the training, but some knowledge and skills still needed improvement after their voluntary service. Public health students could help support the health system during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing adequate training and protection. More efforts should be made to provide psychological support for student volunteers and to optimize the curriculum to bridge the gap in public health education between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in responding to public health emergencies.
-
Health centers provide primary and behavioral health care to the nation's safety net population. Many health centers served on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought major changes to health center care delivery. ⋯ Four years of data demonstrate how COVID-19 impacted delivery of primary care and behavioral health care for patients, highlighting gaps in pediatric care delivery and trends in telehealth over time.