COVID-19 Preparedness Research Articles

Effectiveness of Targeted Health Education with Focus on Knowledge and Practice among Hospital Sanitation Workersdesignated in Isolation Wards as Part of the Pandemic Preparedness for COVID-19

Context: Hospital sanitation workers are at the frontlines of the global crisis caused by COVID-19 and facethe challenge of lack of awareness about the disease and methods of protecting themselves and others fromgetting infected. A targeted health education intervention was conducted among them on knowledge andpractice regarding basic epidemiology, clinical features and prevention of COVID-19.Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of targeted health education intervention with focus on knowledge andpractice regarding COVID-19 pandemic among hospital sanitation workersSettings and Design: Quasi-experimental one group pre test, post test designMethods and Material: Study was done among 46 hospital sanitation workers using structured questionnairecovering demographic variables, knowledge on the basic epidemiological characteristics, clinical featuresand practice on the prevention of COVID-19. After obtaining informed consent, pre-test was conducted anda targeted health education was given. On the 3rd day, post-test was conducted using same questionnaire. Themean pre and post test scores were calculated and difference between the scores was analyzed.Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Demographic information wastabulated using descriptive statistics. The difference between the mean pre test and post test scores wasanalyzed using paired t test.Results: The mean pre test score was 9.39±1.5, with 35(76%) having good and 11(24%) poor pre testscores. Those in the age group 36-45 years had significantly higher pre test scores compared to other agegroups (p=0.03). The mean post test score was 10.6±1.13. There was a statistically significant improvementin the post test scores of the study subjects (p=0.001). Hence, the targeted health education interventionwas effective in improving the knowledge and practice of hospital sanitation workers regarding basicepidemiology, clinical features and prevention of COVID-19.Conclusions: Given the heightened vulnerability of hospital sanitation workers to nosocomial infections, allhealth care institutions should integrate targeted health education intervention into their epidemic responseplan

Scoping Review and Expert Reflections: Coronavirus Disease 2019 - Preparedness and Response in Selected Countries of East Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, started in the Hubei province of China in December 2019. On January 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a worldwide pandemic. We wondered what countries in Africa and South-East Asia had done to prevent infectious disease, specifically, COVID-19, from impacting the population of specific countries in that region, and what disease control measures were successful. Expert reflections on findings could guide continued successful public health approaches in managing this complex infectious disease pandemic. Methods Using a scoping review, published papers, or program descriptions for specific geographic regions (i.e., Africa or Southeast Asia) were searched using specified key terms. Three targeted countries classified by World Bank as lower-middle-income in the two WHO selected regions [Africa (Sudan and Nigeria); Southeast Asia (India)] were reviewed with respect to COVID19 preparedness and response. Findings were organized, highlighting key points that seem particularly useful for regional learning. The evidence from each region was summarized in the aggregate to determine some common, noteworthy themes. COVID-19 epidemiologic data for these regions were also reviewed. Results Our findings indicate experience from prior infectious disease outbreak seems to have prepared the selected countries in their preparedness for COVID-19 outbreak on various levels. Incidence of COVID-19 increased across the selected countries. WHO recommended basic public health strategies to reduce disease transmission was ssinitiated by the selected countries at different levels. However, feasibility and lockdown practices raise public health concerns and questions across the target regions reviewed. Conclusion This scoping review and expert reflections uncovers important preparedness and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the selected WHO regions. Further exploration and possible public health strategic plans may be needed.

Nursing Home Social Workers Perceptions of Preparedness and Coping for COVID-19

Social work has a long history of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations during times of crisis and disaster. Social workers are working at the front lines responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of health care practice settings, including nursing homes, however it is unclear how social workers perceive their preparedness during this time. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to nursing home social workers via social media on feelings of preparedness for COVID-19, what has been most professionally helpful for social workers during these times in their role in COVID-19, as well as demographic questions. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique. Data are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Findings revealed that while some social workers felt prepared for the coronavirus, many respondents stated that they were unprepared to meet the demands and challenges they were facing. Moreover, participants shared that professional support was critically important to get through COVID-19. These findings are important, as social workers are tasked with ensuring each resident attains their highest level of psychosocial well-being, which can be achieved only when nursing home staff are supported. Findings from the present study suggest that additional support for nursing home staff ought to include peer mentoring and mutual support. Additionally, improved leadership across health care settings is worth assessing.

COVID-19 and facility preparedness in the field of prosthodontics

COVID-19 and facility preparedness in the field of prosthodontics - APRD- Print ISSN No: - 2581-4796 Online ISSN No:- 2581-480X Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.aprd.2020.039, IP Annals of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry-IP Ann Prosthodont Restor Dent

Indigenous communities’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and consequences for maternal and neonatal health in remote Peruvian Amazon: a qualitative study based on routine programme supervision

AimTo explore indigenous communities’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences for maternal and neonatal health (MNH) care in the Peruvian Amazon.MethodsMamás del Río is a community-based, MNH programme...

A novel method of assessing clinical preparedness for COVID-19 and other disasters.

Quality IssueThe emergence of COVID-19 highlights the necessity of rapidly identifying and isolating potentially infected individuals. Evaluating this preparedness requires an assessment of the full clinical system, from intake to isolation.Initial AssessmentUnannounced Standardized Patients (USPs) present a nimble, sensitive methodology for assessing this readiness.Choice of solutionPilot the Unannounced Standardized Patient methodology, which employs an actor trained to present as a standardized, incognito potentially infected patient, to assess clinical readiness for potential COVID-19 patients at an urban, community safety-net clinic.ImplementationThe Unannounced Standardized Patient was trained to present at each team’s front desk with the complaint of feeling unwell (reporting a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit in the past 24 hours) and exposure to a roommate recently returned from Beijing. The Unannounced Standardized Patient was trained to complete a behaviorally-anchored assessment of the care she received from the clinical system.EvaluationThere was clear variation in care Unannounced Standardized Patients received; some frontline clerical staff followed best practices; others did not. Signage and information on disease spread prevention publicly available was inconsistent. Qualitative comments shared by the Unannounced Standardized Patients and those gathered during group debrief reinforced the experiences of the Unannounced Standardized Patients and hospital leadership.Lessons LearnedUnannounced Standardized Patients revealed significant variation in care practices within a clinical system. Utilization of this assessment methodology can provide just-in-time clinical information about readiness and safety practices, particularly during emerging outbreaks. Unannounced Standardized Patients will prove especially powerful as clinicians and systems return to outpatient visits while remaining vigilant about potentially infected individuals.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Neurosurgical Services in Africa

IntroductionCOVID-19 has affected the global provision of neurosurgical services. We sought to review the impact of COVID-19 on the neurosurgical services in Africa.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed to African neurosurgeons seeking to review demographics, national and neurosurgical preparedness, and change in clinical services in April 2020.ResultsA total of 316 responses from 42 countries were received. Of these, 81.6% of respondents were male and 79.11% were under the age of 45 years. In our sample, 123 (38.92%) respondents were in training. Most (94.3%) respondents stated they had COVID-19 cases reported in their country as of April 2020. Only 31 (41.50%) had received training on managing COVID-19. A total of 173 (54.70%) respondents were not performing elective surgery. There was a deficit in the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE): surgical masks (90.80%), gloves (84.80%), N95 masks (50.80%), and shoe covers (49.10%). Health ministry (80.40%), World Health Organization (74.50%), and journal papers (41.40%) were the most common sources of information on COVID-19. A total of 43.60% had a neurosurgeon in the COVID-19 preparedness team; 59.8% were concerned they may contract COVID-19 at work with a further 25.90% worried they may infect their family. Mental stress as a result of COVID-19 was reported by 14.20% of respondents. As of April 2020, 73.40% had no change in their income.ConclusionsMost African countries have a national COVID-19 policy response plan that is not always fully suited to the local neurosurgery services. There is an ongoing need for PPE and training for COVID-19 preparedness. There has been a reduction in clinical activities both in clinic and surgeries undertaken.

COVID-19 Pandemic: An Experience of OBGYN Residents at Kathmandu Model Hospital

COVID-19, a novel corona virus has affected the life of each and every individual worldwide. Nepal being the neighborhood country of china, though, we had a late case detection. But, since the month of July this virus has spread in an alarming manner in Nepal. Nepal being one of the developing countries, we lack in equipments, manpower resources and also in treatment centers. Looking into the devastating scenario of Covid 19 in China, Italy, New York, Brazil and our neighboring countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is scary. We wondered how we were going to handle this pandemic if similar circumstances happened in our country too. At the same time being OBGYN residents, we all know pregnancy is very crucial and our patients have faced much difficulties to receive the maternal health services. In this manuscript, we have shared our experience regarding preparedness for COVID-19, management of positive cases and its effect in OBGYN trainee.

Malta's only acute public hospital service during COVID-19: a diary of events from the first wave to transition phase.

IntroductionCOVID-19 has challenged healthcare systems worldwide. Some countries collapsed under surge conditions, while others (such as Malta) showed resilience. Public health measures in Malta quickly reined in COVID-19 spread. This review summarizes pandemic preparedness measures in Malta and the impact on routine services.MethodsA literature search was conducted using Google, Google Scholar and PubMed and by reviewing Maltese online newspapers. A comprehensive summary of internal operations conducted at Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) was made available.ResultsA hospital ‘Incident Command Group’ was set up to plan an optimal COVID-19 response strategy. A ‘rapid response team’ was also created to cater for the logistics and management of supplies. A ‘COVID-19 Emergency Operation Centre’ simulated different COVID-19 scenarios. All elective services were suspended and all staff were mandatorily trained in wearing personal protective equipment. Staff were also retrained in the care of COVID-19 patients. In preparation for potential admission surges, MDH underwent rapid expansion of normal and intensive care beds. Swabbing was ramped up to one of the highest national rates worldwide. The cost for hospital COVID-19 preparedness exceeded €100 million for Malta’s half a million population.ConclusionMalta and its sole acute hospital coped well with the first wave with 680 cases and 9 deaths. The increased ability to deal with COVID-19 (a principally respiratory pathogen) will serve well for the anticipated combined annual influenza and the COVID-19 second wave this coming winter.

Assessment of COVID-19 Preparedness on Obstetrics and Gynecology Practices in Nepal


 Background: The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The Coronavirus transmitted between people through direct contact with infected people and indirect contact with infected surface and object. The practicing Doctor is at more risk of infection with COVID-19. The WHO declared the Coronavirus infection as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting health services worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess COVID-19 preparedness on Obstetrics and Gynecology practices in Nepal.
 Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional study from 5 July to 20 July 2020. We collected 136 responses from Obstetrics and Gynecology consultants practicing at different hospitals of Nepal through google forms. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22.
 Results: Among 136 Obstetrics and Gynecology Consultants, most of participants were spacing ANC visits for low-risk pregnancy (86%), refer patients to Corona Centre if suspected of coronavirus infection (72.8 %), did not ask their patients for COVID-19 test before any procedures (69.04%) and triage and risk screening for COVID-19 for each patient (69.1 %). Proper personal protective measure was not available in most of the centers. Most of the centers has working guidelines for COVID-19. Most of the routine activities were resumed by most of the participants. Most of the hospitals had isolation wards (71.3 %) but most hospitals didn’t have isolated Labour rooms (61.8 %) and isolated operation theatres (62.5%). Only a few participants (15.4%) had received specific training regarding COVID-19.
 Conclusion: Proper personal protective equipment was available in few centers and very few participants had received special training for COVID-19. Most of the hospitals had working guidelines for COVID-19. Most participants didn’t test their patients for COVID-19 before any surgical procedures. Most of the participants follow the proper protective measures during practice.

Evaluating Training Need for Epidemic Control in Three Metropolitans: Implications for COVID-19 Preparedness in Vietnam.

Upon the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries worldwide face a critical shortage of human resources in the health sector. Medical students are a potential task force with the capability to support the stretched health sector. This study aims to evaluate their training need for epidemic control in order to employ them effectively. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey from December 2019 to February 2020. There were 5,786 observations collected using the snowball sampling technique. Logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with training participation in epidemic prevention and disaster prevention. Multiple Poisson regression model was constructed to examine factors associated with the number of times they participated in sanitation training and disaster prevention activities in the previous 12 months. Sanitation and health education communication activities had the highest proportion of participants, with 76.5 and 38.4%, followed by examining and treating diseases in the community (13.4%). Those who participated in community activities had a higher number of times to participate in epidemic sanitation training and be involved in disaster prevention. This study informed the need for training programs to prepare medical students for COVID-19 epidemic responses. The training curriculum should include both theoretical approaches and contextual approaches to achieve efficient epidemic control.

A cross-sectional survey assessing the preparedness of the long-term care sector to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic is a significant public health emergency that impacts all sectors of healthcare. The negative health outcomes for the COVID-19 infection have been most severe in the frail elderly dwelling in Canadian long-term care (LTC) homes.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey of Ontario LTC Clinicians working in LTC homes in Ontario Canada was conducted to provide the clinician perspective on the preparedness and engagement of the LTC sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey questionnaire was developed in collaboration with the Ontario Long-Term Care Clinicians organization (OLTCC) and was distributed between March 30, 2020 to May 25, 2020. All registered members of the OLTCC and Nurse-led LTC Outreach Teams were invited to participate. The primary outcomes were: 1) the descriptive report of the screening measures implemented, communication and information received, and the preparation of the respondent’s LTC home to a potential COVID-19 outbreak; and 2) the level of agreement, as reported using a five-point Likert scale), to COVID-19 preparedness statements for the respondent’s LTC home was also assessed.ResultsThe overall response rate was 54% (160/294). LTC homes implemented a wide range of important interventions (e.g. instituting established respiratory isolation protocols, active screening of new LTC admissions, increasing education on infection control processes, encouraging sick staff to take time off, etc). Ample communications pertinent to the pandemic were received from provincial LTC organizations, the government and public health officials. However, the feasibility of implementing public health recommendations, as well as the engagement of the LTC sector in pandemic planning were identified as areas of concern. Medical director status was associated with an increased knowledge of local implementation of interventions to mitigate COVID-19, as well as endorsing increased access to reliable COVID-19 information and resources to manage a potential COVID-19 outbreak in their LTC home.ConclusionsThis study highlights the communication and implementation of recommendations in the Ontario LTC sector, despite some concerns regarding feasibility. Importantly, LTC clinician respondents clearly indicated that better engagement with LTC leaders is needed to plan a coordinated pandemic response.

Modelo de evaluación del plan de respuesta frente a la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel

Background and purposeDuring the first wave of the epidemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, hospitals have come under significant pressure. This scenario of uncertainty, low scientific evidence, and insufficient resources, has generated significant variability in practice between different health organisations. In this context, it is proposed to develop a standards-based model for the evaluation of the preparedness and response system against COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital. Materials and methodsThe study, carried out at the University Hospital of Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona (Spain), was designed in two phases: 1) development of the standards-based model, by means of a narrative review of the literature, analysis of plans and protocols implemented in the hospital, a review process by expert professionals from the centre, and plan of action, and 2) validation of usability and usefulness of the model through self-assessment and hospital audit. ResultsThe model contains 208 standards distributed into nine criteria: leadership and strategy; prevention and infection control; management of professionals and skills; public areas; healthcare areas; areas of support for diagnosis and treatment; logistics, technology and works; communication and patient care; and information and research systems. The evaluation achieved 85.2% compliance, with 42 areas for improvement and 96 good practices identified. ConclusionsImplementing a standards-based model is a useful tool to identify areas for improvement and good practices in COVID-19 preparedness and response plans in a hospital. In the current context, it is recommended to repeat this methodology in other non-hospital and public health settings.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HIGH INDEX OF SUSPICION AND IMMEDIATE CONTAINMENT OF SUSPECTED COVID-19 CASES IN INSTITUTE OF HIGHER EDUCATION SABAH, MALAYSIA BORNEO

Higher education institutions face major challenges in managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of exposure from the community poses a threat to campus staff and students. This study describes epidemiological characteristics of suspected COVID-19 cases among a public university’s students and staff. This is a retrospective review on data collected from the institute’s COVID-19 Preparedness and Respond Centre, located at the main campus in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah from mid-January to April 2020. Incidence rate was calculated, and epidemiological information retrieved from interviews and relevant documents. The majority of suspected COVID-19 cases were staff (57.1%) with incidence rates higher among males (IR=40.2/1,000 population) and those working in the frontline (IR=39.6/1,000 population). Suspected COVID-19 cases were mostly related to occupation (37.3%) and social contacts (27.3%). Student cases were largely related to household (38.1%) and during travel (33.3%). One positive COVID-19 case was reported of out of the 161 suspected cases (0.6%) in the institution. An operational team must be set up to conduct situational analysis and integrate management with other departments. Suspected COVID-19 cases must be quarantined and monitored on a daily basis. A high index of suspicion and effective containment of suspected cases will prevent spread of the virus among students and staff.

Emergency preparedness for COVID-19: experience from one district general hospital in Wuhan

Emergency preparedness for COVID-19: experience from one district general hospital in Wuhan

Level of Preparedness for COVID-19 by Primary Healthcare Workers in Rivers State, Nigeria: A Facility Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction: The primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) may be faced with a higher risk of infection of COVID-19, due to inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and lack of training on the disease control and prevention. This study was designated to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of PHCWs about COVID-19 in Rivers State, Nigeria.
 Methods: A facility cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the primary healthcare workers in Rivers State, Nigeria. The association between the KAP and demographic characteristics were tested with the Chi-square test, while the association existing among KAP were evaluated with Pearson correlation coefficient. Statistical significance was evaluated at P<0.05.
 Results: The proportion of respondents with good scores in knowledge, attitude, and COVID-19 related practices are 86.4% (10.66 ± 2.40), 85.0% (8.28 ± 1.94), and 97.3% (8.34 ± 1.39) respectively. Gender, occupation, and years of experience are associated with knowledge, whilst years of experience and marital status are associated with the attitude and level preventive practices; knowledge score also has significant positive linear associations with both attitude and practices ( scores towards COVID-19.
 Conclusion: Based on these findings, we suggest that public health education programs should be sustained, and staff should be expose to more training and workshop regarding COVID-19 preventive practices. Furthermore, adequate personnel preventive equipment should be deployed at the primary healthcare facilities, as this will instill the right attitude and confidence in carrying out their duties without the fear of contracting the disease.

Nursing Home Social Workers Perceptions of Preparedness and Coping for COVID-19

ObjectivesSocial work has a long history of responding to the needs of vulnerable populations during times of crisis and disaster. Social workers are working at the front lines responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in a variety of health care practice settings, including nursing homes, however it is unclear how social workers perceive their preparedness during this time.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional survey to nursing home social workers via social media on feelings of preparedness for COVID-19, what has been most professionally helpful for social workers during these times in their role in COVID-19, as well as demographic questions. Demographic data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data were analyzed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique.ResultsData are based on a sample of 63 (N=63) nursing home social workers. Findings revealed that while some social workers felt prepared for the coronavirus, many respondents stated that they were unprepared to meet the demands and challenges they were facing. Moreover, participants shared that professional support was critically important to get through COVID-19.DiscussionThese findings are important, as social workers are tasked with ensuring each resident attains their highest level of psychosocial well-being, which can be achieved only when nursing home staff are supported. Findings from the present study suggest that additional support for nursing home staff ought to include peer mentoring and mutual support. Additionally, improved leadership across health care settings is worth assessing.

Building the National SARS-CoV-2 Laboratory Diagnostic Capacity in Taiwan.

Through early and proactive laboratory testing of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes novel coronavirus 2019, Taiwan has demonstrated an efficient and rapid control response to contain the outbreak. Two days after the World Health Organization announced the complete viral genome sequence, the national laboratory of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control developed a specific real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2. The national laboratory network was further strengthened through the recruitment of medical centers and regional hospitals distributed throughout most geographical regions of the country. Ultimately, a network of 60 laboratories with a capacity of 7,342 real-time RT-PCR tests per day was established. Between January 14 and August 5, 2020, a total of 158,772 tests were conducted, corresponding to 120,487 cases. Test results were obtained within 24 hours, enabling an efficient and rapid control response.

Survey data of COVID-19 awareness, knowledge, preparedness and related behaviors among breast cancer patients in Indonesia.

This dataset presents a survey data describing COVID-19 awareness, knowledge, preparedness and related behaviors among breast cancer patients in Indonesia. The data were collected from breast cancer patients through a survey distributed by an online questionnaire, assesing social-demographic characteristics (6 items), COVID-19 awareness (5 items), knowledge (2 items), preparedness (2 items) and related behaviors (2 items), from 20th June until 14th July 2020. The samples were gathered 500 breast cancer patients in Indonesia who were willing to fill an online questionnaire. SPSS version 23.0 was used to analyzed the data by descriptive and inferential statistics and SmartPLS 3 to created the partial least square path modeling. The data will help in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 among breast cancer patients and can support for health education and promotion interventions.

Digital technologies in the public-health response to COVID-19.

Digital technologies are being harnessed to support the public-health response to COVID-19 worldwide, including population surveillance, case identification, contact tracing and evaluation of interventions on the basis of mobility data and communication with the public. These rapid responses leverage billions of mobile phones, large online datasets, connected devices, relatively low-cost computing resources and advances in machine learning and natural language processing. This Review aims to capture the breadth of digital innovations for the public-health response to COVID-19 worldwide and their limitations, and barriers to their implementation, including legal, ethical and privacy barriers, as well as organizational and workforce barriers. The future of public health is likely to become increasingly digital, and we review the need for the alignment of international strategies for the regulation, evaluation and use of digital technologies to strengthen pandemic management, and future preparedness for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.