Articles: personal-protective-equipment.
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In June 2020 the Office of the Auditor-General released its report on the management of personal protective equipment (PPE) in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report raises three issues of ethical concern: inadequate stock, inequity and complacency. Acting on the report's recommendations is a critical step in strengthening New Zealand's preparedness for future public health crises.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of an Aerosol Box on Intubation in Simulated Emergency Department Airways: A Randomized Crossover Study.
The use of transparent plastic aerosol boxes as protective barriers during endotracheal intubation has been advocated during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic. There is evidence of worldwide distribution of such devices, but some experts have warned of possible negative impacts of their use. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of an aerosol box on intubation performance across a variety of simulated difficult airway scenarios in the emergency department. ⋯ Use of an aerosol box during difficult endotracheal intubation increases the time to intubation and perceived difficulty across a range of simulated ED patients.
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Case Reports
Mechanical Thrombectomy of COVID-19 positive acute ischemic stroke patient: a case report and call for preparedness.
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic is associated with an increased incidence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion (LVO). The treatment of these patients poses unique and significant challenges to health care providers requiring changes in existing protocols. ⋯ Patients infected by COVID-19 can develop LVO that is multifactorial in etiology. Mechanical thrombectomy in a COVID-19 confirmed patient presenting with AIS due to LVO is feasible with current mechanical thrombectomy devices. A change in stroke workflow and protocols is now necessary in order to deliver the appropriate life-saving therapy for COVID-19 positive patients while protecting medical providers.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on pediatric surgery. The infection is often asymptomatic and atypical in children, while overlapping presentations with other infectious diseases generate additional diagnostic challenges. The high probability of missed pediatric cases and the invasive nature of surgery generate great concern for widespread transmission in this setting. ⋯ Isolated operating rooms, pediatric intensive care units, and surgical wards should be specifically designed for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. Finally, transportation of patients should be minimal and follow designated short routes. All these measures can help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric surgery units.
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European urology focus · Sep 2020
ReviewManagement of Female and Functional Urology Patients During the COVID Pandemic.
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has changed standard urology practice around the world. The situation is affecting not only uro-oncological patients but also patients with benign and disabling conditions who are suffering delays in medical attention that impact their quality of life. ⋯ Many patients will suffer delays in urology treatment because of COVID-19, with consequent impairment of their physical and psychological health and deterioration of their quality of life. Efforts should be made to minimize the burden for this patient group, without endangering patients and health care workers.