COVID ICUs Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Physiotherapists in COVID-19 ICUs: A National Survey.

COVID-19 belongs to the beta-corona cluster that spreads enormously via aerosols. Physiotherapists must be knowledgeable about the symptoms, mode of transmission, risk mitigation strategies, and practice guidelines for COVID-19. This study aimed to assess physiotherapists' knowledge of COVID-19 guidelines, their attitude toward this new evolving field, and their practice routines in India's COVID-19 ICUs. It was a cross-sectional study. A total of 600 questionnaires were distributed through e-mail and WhatsApp to physiotherapists using Google Forms between February 2022 and January 2023. The questionnaires consisted of demographics and 23 questions in three sections about the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physiotherapists working in the COVID-19 ICU. Data analysis was carried out using Jamovi. A total of 136 responses were obtained from 18 states of India. Of 136 participants, 89 were female (65.4%) and 47 were male (34.6%). The highest level of qualification was BPT (n = 69 (50.7%)), followed by MPT (n = 62 (45.6%)) and Ph.D. (3 (3.7%)). The knowledge about COVID-19 guidelines is fair. Only 21.3% of the physiotherapists received training before being deployed in COVID-19 ICUs, and the CARP protocol was well known by only as few as 10.3%. The criteria advised for close monitoring of patients during treatment was aware by 29.4%. Most physiotherapists have a good attitude toward treating COVID-19 patients; 70.63% strongly agree that physiotherapy is vital in these patients despite the risk of self-exposure, and 64.7% agree that physiotherapy should be initiated during all phases of COVID-19. Physiotherapists follow good practices for COVID-19 patients in the ICU, which is as per the guideline recommendation. Physiotherapists working in COVID-19 ICUs have a fair knowledge of the existing physiotherapy guidelines for COVID-19, and they exhibit good attitudes and practice patterns.

Prevalence of psychological distress in nurses, physicians and leaders working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national one-year follow-up study

ObjectiveTo report and compare psychological distress as symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress among intensive care units’ (ICU) nurses, physicians and leaders at 12 months after the baseline survey...

Understanding the Challenges of Intensive Care Staff in Communicating With Patients and Patients' Families During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Qualitative Exploration.

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) isolation protocols in India restricted family members of COVID-19 patients from visiting them in hospitals and in intensive care units, especially during the peak of the pandemic. This along with the elaborate personal protective equipment (PPE) created challenges for intensivists and nurses in COVID ICUs in effectively communicating with patients and patients' families, especially in shared decision-making processes. Methods This article is the outcome of a qualitative study using in-depth one-on-one interviews with 10 intensivists and four intensive care nurses in two teaching hospitals in Bengaluru, South India. Each participant, purposively selected till data saturation was reached,had spent extensive periods of time in a COVID ICU during both COVID-19 waves in 2020 and 2021.A framework of descriptive phenomenology led to the design of the study in which varied experiences and insights of participants were captured using an interview guide to understand their lived reality. The interviews were conducted online or in person between July 2021 and October 2021 and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.Coding of transcripts using the NVivo 12 (Burlington, MA: QSR International Pty Ltd) software helped with the thematic analysis. This was guided by interpretive phenomenological methods that derived meaning from participants' life experiences. Results Four themes involving challenges in effective communication in the COVID ICU emerged as follows: physical barriers, emotional and mental stressors, infrastructural challenges, and ethical and moral dilemmas. Sub-themes included personal protective equipment as a barrier, reduced energy levels, and isolation of family from patientsunder the domain of physical challenges; fears of the unknown, handling death of patients in isolation, and the frustrations of families were challenges under the emotional and mental domain. Infrastructural/systemic challenges included poor connectivity and insufficient mobile phones, and the absence of rules to handle interruptions. Privacy breaches, taking consent over the phone, end-of-life discussions, and medico-legal risks emerged as the subthemes under the domain of ethical and moral challenges. A mobile phone communication policy specifying usage times and operating methods, a mandatory communication and counseling training module for intensivists and intensive care nurses, and a set of protocols for highly restrictive, intensive care units in pandemic situations were recommendations and lessons learned. Conclusions The lack of face-to-face interactions was a serious barrier to communication between ICU staff and patients and their caregivers. It had a bearing on trust levels and had emotional and ethical consequences for healthcare teams to handle.Opportunities for self-care, venting of anxiety and distress, and opportunities to celebrate and reward special efforts and cooperation between consultants, residents, nurses, and technicians in stressful environments like a pandemic ICU were important to sustain empathy and keep care and communication humane.

Molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from patients in COVID-19 wards and ICUs in a Bulgarian University Hospital.

Many studies report an increase in antimicrobial resistance of Gram - negative bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiological relationship between carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacteriaceae isolates from patients in COVID-19 wards and to investigate the main mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in these isolates during the period April 2020-July 2021. A total of 45 isolates were studied: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 37), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 2), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 4) and Escherichia coli (n = 2). Multiplex PCR was used for detection of genes encoding carbapenemases from different classes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). For epidemiological typing and analysis, ERIC PCR was performed. Two clinical isolates of E. cloacae, previously identified as representatives of two dominant hospital clones from the period 2014-2017, were included in the study for comparison. In the CR K. pneumoniae group, 23 (62.2%) carried blaKPC, 13 (35.1%) blaNDM, 10 (27.0%) blaVIM, and 9 (24.3%) were positive for both blaKPC and blaVIM. The blaKPC was identified also in the two isolates of K. oxytoca and blaVIM in all E. cloacae complex isolates. The two CR isolates of E. coli possessed blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Epidemiological typing identified 18 ERIC profiles among K. pneumoniae, some presented as clusters of identical and/or closely related isolates. The carbapenem resistance in the studied collection of isolates is mediated mainly by blaKPC. During the COVID-19 pandemic intrahospital dissemination of CR K. pneumoniae, producing carbapenemases of different molecular classes, as well as continuing circulation of dominant hospital clones of multidrug-resistant E. cloacae complex was documented.

COVID-19 Vaccination and Healthcare Demand

One of the driving concerns during any epidemic is the strain on the healthcare system. As we have seen many times over the globe with the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and ICUs can quickly become overwhelmed by cases. While strict periods of public health mitigation have certainly helped decrease incidence and thus healthcare demand, vaccination is the only clear long-term solution. In this paper, we develop a two-module model to forecast the effects of relaxation of non-pharmaceutical intervention and vaccine uptake on daily incidence, and the cascade effects on healthcare demand. The first module is a simple epidemiological model which incorporates non-pharmaceutical intervention, the relaxation of such measures and vaccination campaigns to predict caseloads into the Fall of 2021. This module is then fed into a healthcare module which can forecast the number of doctor visits, the number of occupied hospital beds, number of occupied ICU beds and any excess demand of these. From this module, we can also estimate the length of stay of individuals in ICU. For model verification and forecasting, we use the four most populous Canadian provinces as a case study.

Multicentre Surveillance of Candida Species from Blood Cultures during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Southern Europe (CANCoVEU Project).

Introduction: Surveillance of Candida species isolates from blood cultures (BCs) in Europe is considered fragmented, unable to allow the definition of targets of antifungal stewardship recommendations especially during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Methods: We performed a multicentric retrospective study including all consecutive BC Candida isolates from six Southern European tertiary hospitals (1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021). Etiology, antifungal susceptibility patterns, and clinical setting were analyzed and compared. Results: C. albicans was the dominant species (45.1%), while C. auris was undetected. Candida species positive BC events increased significantly in COVID-19 ICUs in 2021 but decreased in other ICUs. Resistance to azole increased significantly and remained very high in C. albicans (fluconazole from 0.7% to 4.5%, p = 0.03) and C. parapsilosis complex (fluconazole up to 24.5% and voriconazole up to 8.9%), respectively. Resistance to caspofungin was remarkable in C. tropicalis (10%) and C. krusei (20%), while resistance to at least one echinocandin increased in 2021, especially in C. parapsilosis complex (from 0.8% to 5.1%, p = 0.05). Although no significant differences were observed over the study period, fluconazole and echinocandin resistance increased in COVID-19 ICUs by up to 14% and 5.8%, respectively, but remained undetected in non-intensive COVID-19 wards. Conclusions: Antifungal stewardship activities aimed at monitoring resistance to echinocandin in C. tropicalis and C. krusei, and against the spread of fluconazole resistant C. parapsilosis complex isolates are highly desirable. In COVID-19 patients, antifungal resistance was mostly present when the illness had a critical course.

Exposure to airborne SARS-CoV-2 in four hospital wards and ICUs of Cyprus. A detailed study accounting for day-to-day operations and aerosol generating procedures

In any infectious disease, understanding the modes of transmission is key to selecting effective public health measures. In the case of COVID-19 spread, the strictness of the imposed measures outlined the lack of understanding on how SARS-CoV-2 transmits, particularly via airborne pathways. With the aim to characterize the transmission dynamics of airborne SARS-CoV-2, 165 and 62 air and environmental samples, respectively, were collected in four COVID-19 wards and ICUs in Cyprus and analyzed by RT-PCR. An alternative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection in air that provides comparable results but is less cumbersome and time demanding, is also proposed. Considering that all clinics employed 14 regenerations per hour of full fresh air inside patient rooms, it was hypothesized that the viral levels and the frequency of positive samples would be minimum outside of the rooms. However, it is shown that leaving the door opened in patient rooms hinders the efficiency of the ventilation system applied, allowing the virus to escape. As a result, the highest observed viral levels (135 copies m−3) were observed in the corridor of a ward and the frequency of positive samples in the same area was comparable to that inside a two-bed cohort. SARS-CoV-2 in that corridor was found primarily to lie in the coarse mode, at sizes between 1.8 and 10 μm. Similar to previous studies, the frequency of positive samples and viral levels were the lowest inside intensive care units. However, if a patient with sufficient viral load (Ct-value 31) underwent aerosol generating procedures, positive samples with viral levels below 45 copies m−3 were acquired within a 2 m distance of the patient. Our results suggest that a robust ventilation system can prevent unnecessary exposure to SARS-CoV-2 but with limitations related to foot traffic or the operations taking place at the time.

COVID 19 WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction: The world has witnessed positive environment implications of nationwide lockdowns brought down upon by Covid 19 such as cleaner rivers and clearer skies, the same is not the case with respect to solid waste management. Objective:To study the Covid 19 waste management practices and precautions taken in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology:A retrospective study from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021 was conducted at NIMS, Hyderabad. Direct observational study was done to assess the existing facility, manpower, workflow and practices followed. Results:An average of 252 kgs biomedical waste was generated daily. All the biomedical waste including the waste generated in covid 19 areas, Rapid antigen testing centre, RTPCR lab were segregated in separate colour coded bags and were transferred to collection room, where it was stored in different rooms based on the colour, ready to be collected by GJ Multiclave for treatment and disposal. Adequate number colour coded waste bins and needle destroyers were provided to covid areas. Also, hypochlorite solution was issued in adequate quantity. No calibrated weighing machine was available onsite in covid areas nor any biomedical waste registers were maintained in Covid wards and ICUs. Yellow bins were filled beyond 3/4th level due to PPE kits leading to spillage, but frequent collection of waste was followed. Whereas other bins were not filled beyond 3/4th level to avoid spillage. There was 100% compliance in segregating infectious sharps from non-sharps. There was 100% compliance in segregating waste in Covid ICUs and 90% compliance in the Covid wards. Double packing method was followed. On-site measures like treating PPE with hypochlorite was practiced. Storage in the facility was never beyond 48 hours. A total of 19 workers were posted in three shifts for collecting waste. Adequate PPE kits were provided to all the workers in Covid units apart from the regular safety equipment. 20:10 day rule was followed where the workers worked for 20days followed by 10 days of quarantine. Training of staff was on periodic basis. Separate lifting trolleys for covid areas were earmarked and disinfection with hypochlorite was practiced. Workers posted underwent routine RAT once a month and a quarantine of 15 days was given to the tested positive workers. Conclusion:On an average 252 kgs of biomedical waste generated per day. 100% compliance was observed in segregating biomedical waste in Covid ICUs and 90 % compliance in the Covid wards. On site measures like treating PPE kits with hypochlorite solution was practiced. Covid waste was transported in closed containers. Stored waste was disposed within 48 hours of collecting from wards. Regular training of health workers posted in wards improved waste management.

Impact of conducting hand hygiene audit in COVID-19 care locations of India—A large scale national multicentric study – HHAC study

PurposeHand hygiene (HH), the core element in infection prevention in healthcare, especially for multidrug resistant organism's transmission. The role of HH audits and HH adherence rates in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in resource limited settings, are yet to be established. MethodsA nationwide multicenter study was conducted in India, involving public, private, teaching and non-teaching COVID healthcare facilities (COVID-HCFs) using the IBhar mobile application based on WHO's hand hygiene audit tool. The HH adherence rates (HHAR) such as complete HHAR (HHCAR), total HHAR (HHTAR), profession specific HHAR, WHO's 5 HH moment specific HHAR and associated variables were measured over 6 month duration (June–December 2021). ResultsA total of 2,01,829 HH opportunities were available and the HHCAR and HHTAR were 27.3% and 59.7%. The HHTAR was significantly higher in the west zone (72.2%), private institutes (65.6%), non-teaching institutes (67.7%), nurses (61.6%), HH moments 2 (71.8%) and 3 (72.1%), and morning shift (61.4%). The HHTAR was better in non-COVID HCFs (65.4%) than COVID-HCFs (57.8%) as well as non-COVID ICUs (68.1%) than COVID ICUs (58.7%). The HHTAR was increased from month 1 to month 6 except a small decrease in the month of December. ConclusionsThe hand hygiene adherence is comparable with adherence rate during COVID-19 pandemic in western countries as well as the resource limited settings. The use of gloves during the pandemic and simplified HH techniques and their influence over the HH adherence to be studied further. The sustainable adherence rate over long duration needs to be ensured by continuing the HH audit using multimodal interventions.

Epidemiological Analysis of Determinants in ICU Mortality in the State of Tocantins in Brazil

The availability of places in intensive care units in Tocantins has become a serious public health problem, in this sense, through the identification of studies and data collection of works that resulted from the analysis of variables that generated better quality indicators in intensive care, such as the reduction of length of stay, care costs and the mortality rate, aiming to explain scientific criteria and technocracy as a public policy for patient admission, and infection control as a direct or indirect way of guaranteeing a greater supply of ICU beds. To analyze hospitalization, demand and mortality data in ICUs through the DATASUS website and identify which epidemiological determinants have the highest mortality rate among patients admitted to hospitals in the State of Tocantins. The work consists of retrospective, quantitative documentary research and a statistical method of data collection and correlation. Data from all patients over 18 years of age admitted to public ICUs during the last 5 years will be included in the survey. All data related to COVID-19 ICUs that were implemented in 2020 will be excluded. Infectious and parasitic diseases along with neoplasia are the most prevalent in the mortality rate of the eight regions, corroborating the promotion of new research for the prevention and treatment of tropical diseases in the state of Tocantins.

Depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers in COVID-19 ICUs

Depression, anxiety and stress among healthcare workers in COVID-19 ICUs

Routine Surveillance of Healthcare-Associated Infections Misses a Significant Proportion of Invasive Aspergillosis in Patients with Severe COVID-19.

Rates of invasive aspergillosis (IA) among COVID-19 ICU patients seem to reach over 30% in certain settings. At Vienna General Hospital (VGH), all rooms in COVID-19 ICUs were put under negative pressure as a protective measure, thus increasing the risk of exposure to environmental pathogens for patients. Even though all ICU patients are surveilled for healthcare-associated infections (HAI), there were concerns that the routine protocol might not be sufficient for IA detection. We reviewed the electronic patient charts of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2021 for fungal co- or superinfections, comparing four diagnostic algorithms based on different recommendations for the diagnosis of IA (according to EORTC/MSG, BM-AspICU, IAPA and CAPA) to our routine surveillance protocol. We found that out of 252 patients who were admitted to the ICU during the study period, 25 (9.9%) fulfilled the criteria of probable or possible IA of at least one algorithm. The IAPA definitions detected 25 and the CAPA definition 23 probable and 2 possible cases, out of which only 16 were classified as hospital-acquired IA by routine surveillance. In conclusion, adjustment of the routine protocol using a classification system especially designed for respiratory viral illness seems useful for the surveillance of IA in a highly vulnerable patient cohort.

Severe Neurological Manifestations of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)

Introduction; Multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) is a para infectious or post infectious extra-pulmonary complication of COVID-19. Neurological complications are better described in children with multi-system inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in children (MIS-C). There is a paucity of literature about severe neurological manifestations of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS-A). Methods; Over a 22-month period, from June 2020 to December 2021, over 3450 COVID patients were admitted to our institution including 900 patients in the medical and COVID ICUs. Ten patients (1.1%) presented to us with MIS-A with severe neurological manifestations. Results; Severe neurological manifestations included transverse myelitis, COVID encephalitis, acute encephalopathy, status epilepticus and rhabdomyolytic myopathy. Our cohort had a high morbidity and mortality rate. Conclusions; Most patients with MIS-A had severe neurological involvement and a poor outcome.

Early versus Late Tracheostomy Promotes Weaning in Intensive Care Unit Patients: a retrospective observational study.

Background and aim of the study:The time interval between the patients’ intubation and the performance of a tracheostomy has been considered as critical for the disease prognosis and outcome. The aim of the present study was to compare and contrast the outcomes of early vs late tracheostomy with regard to intensive care unit (ICU) patients’ weaning from respiratory support.Methods:This retrospective observational study, involved patients who were hospitalized in two general and one Covid-19 ICUs of two tertiary hospitals in Athens and were subjected to tracheostomy. Data were collected from the patients’ medical records in order to estimate the duration of patient weaning and the number of days from the patients’ intubation until the time of tracheostomy. In the present study the term early tracheostomy denotes tracheostomy performed within 14 days from patient intubation and late tracheostomy defines the tracheostomy carried out after 14 days. For Covid-19 patients, guidelines suggested that tracheostomies should be performed 21 days following intubation, due to the high risk of virus transmission.Results:One hundred and thirty-one patients who underwent tracheostomy participated in the study. Most tracheostomies were performed using the percutaneous technique. The group of patients tracheostomized within 14 days after their admission in ICU weaned faster from respiratory support compared to ones who were tracheostomized after 14 days.Conclusions:The most common distinction between early and late tracheostomy is 14 days, with early tracheostomy being more beneficial in terms of patients’ outcomes, and specifically ICU patients’ weaning. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Intensive care unit nurses living through COVID‐19: A qualitative study

AimsTo understand how nurses experience providing care for patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 in intensive care units.BackgroundAs hospitals adjust staffing patterns to meet the demands of the pandemic, nurses have direct physical contact with ill patients, placing themselves and their families at physical and emotional risk.MethodsFrom June to August 2020, semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Sixteen nurses caring for COVID‐19 patients during the first surge of the pandemic were selected via purposive sampling. Participants worked in ICUs of a quaternary 1,000‐bed hospital in the Northeast United States. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, identifiers were removed, and data were coded thematically.ResultsOur exploratory study identified four themes that describe the experiences of nurses providing care to patients in COVID‐19 ICUs during the first surge: (a) challenges of working with new co‐workers and teams, (b) challenges of maintaining existing working relationships, (c) role of nursing leadership in providing information and maintaining morale and (d) the importance of institutional‐level acknowledgement of their work.ConclusionsAs the pandemic continues, hospitals should implement nursing staffing models that maintain and strengthen existing relationships to minimize exhaustion and burnout.Implications for Nursing ManagementTo better support nurses, hospital leaders need to account for their experiences caring for COVID‐19 patients when making staffing decisions.

Risk to Radiology Staff for Occupational COVID-19 Infection in a High-Risk and a Low-Risk Region in Germany: Lessons from the "First Wave".

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increasing overload of the medical system. Healthcare workers (HCW) in radiology departments are exposed to a high infection risk similar to HCWs in the ICU or dedicated COVID wards. The goal of our paper is to evaluate the prevalence of IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 among radiology HCWs in two different hospitals and regions in Germany with a low and high COVID-19 prevalence and to compare it to the prevalence in other clinical personnel. Additionally, we assessed the number of radiological procedures performed in patients with a positive PCR test (C+) followed by a short review of the risk for nosocomial infections of radiology HCWs. During the first COVID-19 wave between March and July 2020, we evaluated a region with one of the highest COVID-19 rates (776-1570/100 000) in Germany (Hospital A). Additionally, we assessed Hospital B in a region with a low prevalence (65/100 000). We tested the serum prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among the whole staff with a subgroup analysis for radiology in both hospitals. We calculated the total number of different radiological procedures performed in C+ patients. In Hospital A 594 PCR-proven C+ patients were treated resulting in 2723 radiological procedures. 24 % (n = 6) of the radiology technicians and 13.35 (n = 2) of radiologists had a positive IgG test. The rates were similar to positive rates in HCWs in COVID-19 wards and ICUs within the hospital. The most frequently performed procedures in C+ patients were chest X-rays (3.17/patient) and CT examinations (1.15/patient). In Hospital B 50 C+ patients were treated, resulting in 64 radiological procedures. None of the HCWs tested IgG positive. The most frequently performed examinations were also chest X-rays (1.04/patient) and CT (0.2/patient). HCWs in radiology have a high occupational infection risk similar to that of HCWs in ICUs and dedicated COVID wards. · The risk of acquiring COVID-19 increases with the amount of contact with infected individuals.. · The occupational risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection for radiology staff is similar to that of nurses and physicians in COVID wards.. · Hygiene concepts and medical resources have to be adapted for further COVID outbreaks.. · Reporting of an occupational disease can be considered in the case of seropositive staff.. · Finkenzeller T, Lenhart S, Reinwald M et al. Risk to Radiology Staff for Occupational COVID-19 Infection in a High-Risk and a Low-Risk Region in Germany: Lessons from the "First Wave". Fortschr Röntgenstr 2021; 193: 537 - 543.

505. Use of CLABSI Prevention Bundle Audits to Decrease CLABSI Rates in COVID Positive ICU Patients in an Acute Care Hospital in New York City During the COVID-19 Epidemic

BackgroundMount Sinai Beth Israel (MSBI) is a 220 bed acute care hospital located in the Manhattan borough of Manhattan in New York City. Prior to COVID-19, the hospital had one 16-bed Medical/Surgical ICU. When the COVID epidemic struck New York City, the MSBI ED was flooded with critically ill patients requiring ICU care. Seven other ICUs were opened, all of which were filled with COVID patients. The majority of these patients required central lines for the multiple antibiotics, steroids, and vasopressors they needed to survive. Agency RNs were brought in to care for ICU patients. In April, the MSBI Infection Prevention (IP) department received several CLABSI notifications through its data mining system. The IPs were alarmed at the number of CLABSIs occurring in ICU COVID patients with central lines.ICU CLABSI Rates in an Acute Care Hospital During the COVID-19 Epidemic in New York City MethodsA baseline assessment, using the central line maintenance bundle, was conducted on all COVID patients with central lines. This assessment revealed issues with central line maintenance, including: undated, bloody, and non-intact dressings, poorly placed CHG impregnated disks; blood in end-caps, and missing alcohol impregnated caps on ports. The decision was made to bring in infusion RNs from an outpatient system site to perform daily rounds on central lines. These RNs performed daily intensive maintenance bundle rounds for a month during the COVID epidemic. During their rounds, ICU nurses and managers were notified of central line dressing and cap issues and educated on how to correct them. These RNs also e-mailed daily reports of their findings to Nursing Leadership for their review.Central Line Audit Team: RNs Who Monitored Central Lines in COVID ICUs in An Acute Care Hospital in NYC Central Line Audit Team: RNs Who Monitored Central Lines in COVID ICUs in An Acute Care Hospital in NYCResultsCentral line rounds performed after the intervention showed a great improvement in compliance with the central line maintenance bundle, from 13% during the first rounds performed in April, to 88% in May, less than a month after these rounds started. Since this intervention, the ICU CLABSI rate has decreased from a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 central line days in April and May to a current rate of 0.ConclusionThe timely identification and root cause analysis of a problem must be followed by timely, intensive, and repeated interventions that are designed to attack the causes of problems at their source. After the crisis period is over, the interventions must be maintained to ensure that gains made can be sustained.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

C-Reactive protein as a prognostic indicator in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Recent studies have reported that CRP levels are elevated in patients with COVID-19 and may correlate with severity of disease and disease progression. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of the medical records of 268 adult patients, who were admitted to one of the six cohorted COVID ICUs across Emory Healthcare System and had at least two CRP values within the first seven days of admission to study the temporal progression of CRP and its association with all-cause in-hospital mortality. The median CRP during hospitalization for the entire cohort was 130 mg/L (IQR 82-191 mg/L), and the median CRP on ICU admission was 169 (IQR 111-234). The hospitalization-wide median CRP was significantly higher amongst the patients who died, compared to those who survived [206 mg/L (157-288 mg/L) vs 114 mg/L (72-160 mg/L), p<0.001]. CRP levels increased in a linear fashion during the first week of hospitalization and peaked on day 5. Compared to patients who died, those who survived had lower peak CRP levels and earlier declines. CRP levels were significantly higher in patients who died compared to those who survived (p<0.001). Our findings support the utility of daily CRP values in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and provide early thresholds during hospitalization that may facilitate risk stratification and prognostication.

The role of surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic: impact on training and lessons learned from a surgical resident's perspective.

BackgroundSurgeons are trained as “internists that also operate,” bringing an important skillset to patient management during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A review was performed to illustrate the response of surgical staff during the pandemic with regard to patient care and residency training.MethodsThe evaluation and assessment of the changes enacted at Stony Brook Medicine’s Department of Surgery is illustrated through the unique perspective of surgical residents. No IRB approval or written consent was obtained nor it was necessary for the purposes of this paper.ResultsHospital policy was enacted to hinder transmission of COVID-19 and included limited gatherings of people, restricted travel, quarantined symptomatic staff, and careful surveillance for disease incidence. Surgical residency transformed as residents were diverted from traditional surgical services to staff new COVID-19 ICUs. Education transitioned to an online-based platform for lectures and reviews. New skills sets were acquired such as PICC line placement and complex ventilator management.ConclusionsThe viral surge impacted surgical training while also providing unique lessons regarding preparedness and strategic planning for future pandemic and disaster management.

“Optimization of Surgical Resident Safety and Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic – Lessons Learned”

The COVID-19 pandemic has engendered rapid and significant changes in patient care. Within the realm of surgical training, the resultant reduction in clinical exposure and case volume jeopardizes the quality of surgical training. Thus, our general surgery residency program proceeded to develop a tailored approach to training that mitigates impact on resident surgical education and optimizes clinical exposure without compromising safety. Residents were engaged directly in planning efforts to craft a response to the pandemic. Following the elimination of elective cases, the in-house resident complement was effectively decreased to reduce unnecessary exposure, with a back-up pool to address unanticipated absences and needs. Personal protective equipment availability and supply, the greatest concern to residents, has remained adequate, while being utilized according to current guidelines. Interested residents were given the opportunity to work in designated COVID ICUs on a volunteer basis. With the decrease in operative volume and clinical duties, we shifted our educational focus to an intensive didactic schedule using a teleconferencing platform and targeted areas of weakness on prior in-service exams. We also highlighted critical COVID-19 literature in a weekly journal club to better understand this novel disease and its effect on surgical practice. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on resident education remains to be seen. Success may be achieved with commitment to constant needs assessment in the changing landscape of healthcare with the goal of producing a skilled surgical workforce for public service.