Infection and the use of personal protective equipment among Primary Health Care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the frequency and associated risk factors for COVID-19 infection and the availability of Personal Protective Equipment used by primary healthcare workers. METHOD: a cross-sectional study was conducted over six months in Rio Grande do Sul. Descriptive analysis was performed, with the comparison of independent samples using Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test (p<.05). RESULTS: the study included 206 (27%) healthcare workers who presented COVID-19 symptoms. There was a statistical association for the following variables: availability of surgical masks (p=.003), seeking information on the correct use of personal protective equipment (p=.045), having attended people with flu-like syndrome (p=.024), and believing that the highest risk of contamination is when attending a patient positive for coronavirus disease (p=.001). CONCLUSION: the availability of personal protective equipment is indispensable for COVID-19 prevention, with special emphasis on the use of surgical masks. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of providing Personal Protective Equipment in conjunction with guidance on its use. HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Highlighted impacts on the distribution of PPE necessary for worker safety.(2) Emphasized the need for training and education regarding the use of PPE.(3) Found significance regarding the availability of surgical masks.(4) Identified the need for further research on health safety topics.(5) Revealed a high incidence of symptomatic workers and positive cases of COVID-19.

Quality improvement collaborative for improving patient care delivery in Argentine public health sector intensive care units.

BACKGROUND: The demand for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was excessive for less-resourced settings, with intensive care units (ICUs) taking the heaviest toll. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to achieve adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) use in 90% of patient encounters, to reach 90% compliance with objectives of patient flow (OPF) and to provide emotional support tools to 90% of healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: We conducted a quasi-experimental study with an interrupted time-series design in 14 ICUs in Argentina. We randomly selected adult critically ill patients admitted from July 2020 to July 2021 and active HCWs in the same period. We implemented a quality improvement collaborative (QIC) with a baseline phase (BP) and an intervention phase (IP). The QIC included learning sessions, periods of action and improvement cycles (plan-do-study-act) virtually coached by experts via platform web-based activities. The main study outcomes encompassed the following elements: proper utilisation of PPE, compliance with nine specific OPF using daily goal sheets through direct observations and utilisation of a web-based tool for tracking emotional well-being among HCWs. RESULTS: We collected 7341 observations of PPE use (977 in BP and 6364 in IP) with an improvement in adequate use from 58.4% to 71.9% (RR 1.2, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.29, p<0.001). We observed 7428 patient encounters to evaluate compliance with 9 OPF (879 in BP and 6549 in IP) with an improvement in compliance from 53.9% to 67% (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.32, p<0.001). The results showed that HCWs did not use the support tool for self-mental health evaluation as much as expected. CONCLUSION: A QIC was effective in improving healthcare processes and adequate PPE use, even in the context of a pandemic, indicating the possibility of expanding QIC networks nationwide to improve overall healthcare delivery. The limited reception of emotional support tools requires further analyses.

A Microcost Analysis of the Use of Personal Protective Equipment During and Before the COVID-19 Pandemic From a Hospital Perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To calculate the direct cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) used during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a Brazilian tertiary public hospital. METHODS: We evaluated the cost of PPE during the pandemic to the cost before (2021 vs 2019, respectively) using the microcosting method. Cost estimates were converted into US dollars in 2023, taking inflation into account and using purchasing power parity conversion rates. Our expenses included gloves, disposable gowns, head coverings, masks, N95 respirators, and eye protection. The number of PPE used was determined by the hospital's usual protocol, the total number of hospitalized patients, and the number of days of hospitalization. We used the following variables for uncertainty analysis: PPE adherence, an interquartile range of median length of hospitalization, and variance in the cost of each PPE. RESULTS: In 2021, 26 618 individuals were hospitalized compared with 31 948 in 2019. The median length of stay was 6 and 4 days, respectively. The total and per-patient direct cost of PPE were projected to be 2 939 935.47 US dollar (USD) and 110.45 USD, respectively, during the pandemic, and 1 570 124.08 USD and 49.15 USD, respectively, before the pandemic. The individual cost of PPE was the most influential cost variable. CONCLUSIONS: According to the hospital's perspective, the total estimated direct cost of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic was nearly twice as high as the previous year. This difference might be explained by the 3-fold increase in PPE in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 compared with patients without isolation precautions.

Craniocervical Pain, Sleep Quality, Depressive Symptoms, and Physical Activity in Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: An increase in the workload and use of personal protective equipment by healthcare workers was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the connections between craniocervical structures, symptoms such as neck pain and temporomandibular symptoms could be influenced by the use of PPE. AIMS: To assess the prevalence of craniocervical pain, sleep quality, physical activity, and depressive symptoms and relationship among craniocervical symptoms in healthcare workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Healthcare workers. SETTINGS: An online questionnaire included a self-report of craniocervical pain intensity [orofacial pain, neck pain, and headache (Numerical Rating Scale)], sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire two items) and physical activity (self-report). METHODS: The sample analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, the paired t-test was used to compare symptoms intensity before and during the pandemic. The relationship between dependent and independent samples was assessed through McNemar test, Pearson's chi-squared test, and Student's independent t-test. A value of p < .05 was adopted as statistical significance. RESULTS: Overall, 147 participants replied the questionnaires. Headache, neck pain, and orofacial pain complaints increased during the pandemic in healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Craniocervical pain was correlated with poor sleep quality, probable depression, and physical activity during the pandemic (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers self-reported more craniocervical pain during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the pandemic. In addition, poor sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and physical inactivity were associated with craniocervical symptoms during this period.

Covid-19: fatores associados ao uso e adesão de equipamentos de proteção individual entre residentes no Brasil / Covid-19: factors associated with the use and adherence of personal protective equipment in Brazil among residents / Covid-19: factores asociados al uso y adherencia de equipos de protección personal entre los residentes en Brasil

Objetivo: analisar os fatores associados ao uso e a adesão aos equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais pós-graduandos vinculados a programas de residência em saúde. Método: transversal com 227 residentes. Avaliadas variáveis relacionadas à adesão e uso adequado de equipamentos de proteção individual por meio de instrumento validado "E.P.I. covid-19 Brasil-versão adaptada para residentes". Realizou-se análise bivariada, teste qui-quadrado/exato de Fisher e cálculo da razão de prevalência. Pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos. Resultados: realizaram atividades de capacitação sobre EPIs (59,9%).Associação entre uso de máscara cirúrgica(p≤0,01) e idade; área de concentração do programa e uso de gorro (p≤0,01) e máscara cirúrgica (p=0,04); realização de atividades de capacitação e uso de máscara cirúrgica (p=0,02) e N95 (p≤0,01). A adesão variou de 0% a 67%. Conclusão: fatores associados ao uso adequado, idade, área de concentração do programa e realização de atividades de capacitação. Houve fragilidades na adesão. Sugere-se o fortalecimento do tema biossegurança na residência.

Objective: to analyze the factors associated with the use and adherence to personal protective equipment by graduate professionals linked to residency programs in health. Method: cross-sectional study with 227 residents. E.P.I.covid-19 Brasil-adapted version for residents". Bivariate analysis, Fisher chi-square/exact test and calculation of the prevalence ratio were performed. Research was approved by the Ethics Committee for Research with Human Beings. Results: they carried out training activities on PPE (59.9%). Association between use of surgical mask (p≤0.01) and age; program concentration area and use of cap (p≤0.01) and surgical mask (p=0.04); performance of training activities and use of surgical mask (p=0.02) and N95 (p≤0.01). Adherence to PPE ranged from 0% to 67%. Conclusion: factors associated with the proper use of personal protective equipment were age, area of program concentration, and performance of training activities. There were weaknesses in adherence. It is suggested to strengthen the theme of biosafety in the residence.

Objetivos:analizar los factores asociados al uso y la adherencia a los equipos de protección personal (EPP) por parte de profesionales graduados vinculados a programas de residencia en salud. Método: estudio transversal con 227 residentes. Se utilizó la versión adaptada para residentes del «Cuestionario sobre EPI en la atención primaria de salud (EPS-APS) en el contexto de la COVID-19 en Brasil. Se realizaron análisis bivariados, prueba chi-cuadrado de Fisher/prueba exacta y cálculo de la razón de prevalencia. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética para la Investigación con Seres Humanos. Resultados: se realizaron actividades de capacitación sobre EPI (59,9%). Se observó asociación entre el uso de mascarilla quirúrgica (p≤0,01) y la edad; área de concentración del programa y uso de cofia (p≤0,01) y mascarilla quirúrgica (p=0,04); realización de actividades de capacitación y uso de mascarilla quirúrgica (p=0,02) y N95 (p≤0,01). La adherencia a los EPI osciló entre el 0% y el 67%. Conclusión: los factores asociados al uso correcto de los EPI fueron la edad, el área de concentración del programa y la realización de actividades de capacitación. Se observaron debilidades en la adherencia. Se sugiere fortalecer el tema de la bioseguridad en la residencia.

Avaliação do perfil de trabalhadores e das condições de trabalho na pesca da Baía do Sol, Belém, PA, Brasil / Evaluation of workers' profile and work conditions in fishing in Baía do Sol, Belém, PA, Brazil / Evaluación del perfil de los trabajadores y condiciones de trabajo en la pesca en Baía do Sol, Belém, PA, Brasil

Considerada uma atividade de risco, a pesca registra um elevado índice de sinistralidades, sendo a maioria não notificada, e pouco treinamento na prevenção de acidentes. Neste sentido, com o objetivo de avaliar o perfil e as condições de trabalho de pescadores da Baía do Sol, Ilha de Mosqueiro, em Belém do Pará, foi efetivado um levantamento por meio de um questionário aplicado em forma de entrevista entre os meses de setembro e novembro de 2017. Com base nos questionários aplicados (n=74), observa-se que a comunidade de pescadores da Baía do Sol não difere de maneira significativa de outras comunidades pesqueiras já estudadas. No entanto, duas características ganharam destaque no perfil dos entrevistados: o nível de escolaridade, bem acima da média para o estado do Pará; e a faixa etária, onde grande parte dos pescadores encontra-se na faixa de idade abaixo dos 40 anos. Por outro lado, devido a condições socioeconômicas, essa comunidade pesqueira e talvez toda a categoria de pescadores artesanais precisa de atenção por parte dos órgãos governamentais, no sentido do desenvolvimento de tecnologias adequadas para EPI's, com distribuição gratuita.(AU)

Fishing is considered one risky activity, with a high accident rate, most of which are not notified, and little training in accident prevention. In order to assess the profile and working conditions of fishermen from Baía do Sol, Mosqueiro Island, in Belém do Pará, a survey was carried out through a questionnaire applied in the form of an interview from September to November 2017. Based on the questionnaires applied (n=74), it is observed that the fishing community of Baía do Sol does not differ significantly from other fishing communities already studied. However, two characteristics gained prominence in the profile of the interviewees: the level of education, well above the average for the state of Pará; and the age group, since most of the fishermen are in the age group below 40 years. On the other hand, due to socioeconomic conditions, this fishing community and perhaps the entire category of artisanal fishermen needs attention from government agencies, in the sense of developing appropriate technologies for PPE's, with free distribution.(AU)

Considerada una actividad de riesgo, la pesca tiene una alta tasa de accidentes, la mayoría de los cuales no se denuncian, y poca formación en prevención de accidentes. En este sentido, con el fin de evaluar el perfil y las condiciones laborales de los pescadores de Baía do Sol, Ilha de Mosqueiro, en Belém do Pará, se realizó una encuesta a través de un cuestionario aplicado en forma de entrevista entre los meses de septiembre. y noviembre de 2017. Con base en los cuestionarios aplicados (n = 74), se observa que la comunidad pesquera de Baía do Sol no difiere significativamente de otras comunidades pesqueras ya estudiadas. Sin embargo, dos características destacaron en el perfil de los entrevistados: el nivel de educación, muy por encima del promedio del estado de Pará; y el grupo de edad, donde la mayoría de los pescadores tienen menos de 40 años. Por otro lado, debido a las condiciones socioeconómicas, esta comunidad pesquera y quizás toda la categoría de pescadores artesanales necesitan la atención de las agencias gubernamentales, en el sentido de desarrollar tecnologías apropiadas para PPE, con distribución gratuita.(AU)

Adherence to hand hygiene at five moments and specific protection in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to hygiene measures is an objective aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene and protection measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study on health personnel handwashing at the five moments recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as on the use of specific personal protective equipment. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen hand hygiene opportunities were observed in health personnel. Hand washing was observed in 40 (34 %) and omission in 76 (65 %). Adherence to the use of face shield was observed in five (4 %), and lack of adherence in 112 (96%). Adherence to the use of face mask was observed in 65 nursing professionals (87 %), with appropriate use of the mask in 56 of them (60 %) and use of face shield in one (1 %). CONCLUSION: Health personnel showed low proportions of adherence to hand hygiene and use of equipment for specific protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Ante la pandemia de COVID-19, el apego a las medidas de higiene es un objetivo para disminuir la morbimortalidad. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el apego a la higiene de manos y medidas de protección durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal acerca del lavado de manos del personal de salud en los cinco tiempos recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, así como sobre el uso del equipo de protección personal específico. RESULTADOS: Fueron observadas 117 oportunidades de higiene de manos en personal de salud: 40 (34 %) respecto al lavado de manos y 76 (65 %) respecto a su omisión; sobre el apego al uso de careta en cinco (4 %) y sobre la falta de apego en 112 (96 %). Se identificó apego al uso de mascarilla en 65 profesionales de enfermería (87 %), uso adecuado de mascarilla en 56 de ellos (60 %) y uso de careta en uno (1 %). CONCLUSIÓN: El personal mostró baja proporción de apego a la higiene de manos y al uso de equipo para la protección específica durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Surgical Site Infection after Cesarean Delivery in Times of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption of personal protective equipment and products (PPEP), as well as the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) among non-COVID-19 patients submitted to cesarean sections. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a maternity unity of a public teaching hospital which was not part of the reference service for COVID-19 treatment. It compared PPEP consumption and the occurrence of SSI after cesarean sections in monthly periods before and after the occurrence of the first case of COVID-19 in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Personal protective equipment and products consumption was measured as units of masks, gloves, gowns, and caps, and use of alcohol-based products or soap for hand sanitation as ml/patient/day. The SSI index was calculated as the proportion of cases of SSI over the number of cesarean sections performed monthly during the study period. RESULTS: There was an increase in all measured items of PPEP, with consumption of disposable masks with a median of 1,450 units in the pre-COVID period, and of 2550 in the post-COVID period (a 75.9% increase). A decrease of 49% in SSI was detected, with a median of 1.74 in the pre-COVID period and of 0.89 in the post-COVID period. CONCLUSION: The increase in consumption of PPEP could be a result of safer practices adopted by healthcare workers with the advent of COVID-19, of which the following reduction in the occurrence of SSI could be a direct consequence. Despite the severity of the crisis, one could state that extreme situations can lead to valuable reflections and opportunities for improvement.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre o consumo de equipamentos e produtos de proteção individual (EPPI), assim como a frequência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) em pacientes não infectadas por COVID-19 submetidas a cesarianas. MéTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo em uma maternidade de um hospital público de ensino que não fazia parte do serviço de referência para o tratamento do COVID-19. Foram comparados o consumo de EPPI e a ocorrência de ISC após cesárea nos períodos mensais antes e após a ocorrência do primeiro caso de COVID-19 em Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. O consumo de EPPI foi medido em unidades de máscaras, luvas, aventais e gorros, e o uso de produtos à base de álcool ou de sabonete para higienização das mãos em ml/paciente/dia. O índice SSI foi calculado como a proporção de casos de ISC sobre o número de cesarianas realizadas mensalmente durante o período do estudo. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento em todos os itens medidos do EPPI, com o consumo de máscaras descartáveis apresentando uma mediana de 1.450 no período pré-COVID e de 2550 no período pós-COVID (aumento de 75,9%). Detectou-se também diminuição de ISC, com medianas de 1,74 no período pré-COVID e de 0,89 no período pós-COVID, com redução de 49% no valor da mediana. CONCLUSãO: O aumento do consumo de EPPI pode ser resultado de práticas mais seguras adotadas pelos profissionais de saúde com o advento do COVID-19, do qual a redução na ocorrência de ISC pode ser uma consequência direta. Apesar da gravidade da crise, pode-se afirmar que situações extremas podem gerar reflexões valiosas e oportunidades de melhorias.

Apego a higiene de manos en 5 momentos y protección específica en un hospital de tercer nivel ante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Adherence to hand hygiene at five moments and specific protection in a tertiary care hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen Introducción: Ante la pandemia de COVID-19, el apego a las medidas de higiene es un objetivo para disminuir la morbimortalidad. Objetivo: Evaluar el apego a la higiene de manos y medidas de protección durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos: Estudio transversal acerca del lavado de manos del personal de salud en los cinco tiempos recomendados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, así como sobre el uso del equipo de protección personal específico. Resultados: Fueron observadas 117 oportunidades de higiene de manos en personal de salud: 40 (34 %) respecto al lavado de manos y 76 (65 %) respecto a su omisión; sobre el apego al uso de careta en cinco (4 %) y sobre la falta de apego en 112 (96 %). Se identificó apego al uso de mascarilla en 65 profesionales de enfermería (87 %), uso adecuado de mascarilla en 56 de ellos (60 %) y uso de careta en uno (1 %.) Conclusión: El personal mostró baja proporción de apego a la higiene de manos y al uso de equipo para la protección específica durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Abstract Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to hygiene measures is an objective aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate adherence to hand hygiene and protection measures during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional study on health personnel handwashing at the five moments recommended by the World Health Organization, as well as on the use of specific personal protective equipment. Results: One hundred and seventeen hand hygiene opportunities were observed in health personnel. Hand washing was observed in 40 (34 %) and omission in 76 (65 %). Adherence to the use of face shield was observed in five (4 %), and lack of adherence in 112 (96%). Adherence to the use of face mask was observed in 65 nursing professionals (87 %), with appropriate use of the mask in 56 of them (60 %) and use of face shield in one (1 %). Conclusion: Health personnel showed low proportions of adherence to hand hygiene and use of equipment for specific protection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Surgical Site Infection after Cesarean Delivery in Times of COVID-19 / Infecção de sítio cirúrgico após cesariana em tempos de COVID-19

Abstract Objective To analyze effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the consumption of personal protective equipment and products (PPEP), as well as the frequency of surgical site infection (SSI) among non-COVID-19 patients submitted to cesarean sections. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in a maternity unity of a public teaching hospital which was not part of the reference service for COVID-19 treatment. It compared PPEP consumption and the occurrence of SSI after cesarean sections in monthly periods before and after the occurrence of the first case of COVID-19 in Porto Alegre, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Personal protective equipment and products consumption was measured as units of masks, gloves, gowns, and caps, and use of alcohol-based products or soap for hand sanitation asml/patient/day. The SSI index was calculated as the proportion of cases of SSI over the number of cesarean sections performed monthly during the study period. Results There was an increase in all measured items of PPEP, with consumption of disposable masks with a median of 1,450 units in the pre-COVID period, and of 2550 in the post-COVID period (a 75.9% increase). A decrease of 49% in SSI was detected, with a median of 1.74 in the pre-COVID period and of 0.89 in the post-COVID period. Conclusion The increase in consumption of PPEP could be a result of safer practices adopted by healthcare workers with the advent of COVID-19, of which the following reduction in the occurrence of SSI could be a direct consequence. Despite the severity of the crisis, one could state that extreme situations can lead to valuable reflections and opportunities for improvement.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os efeitos da pandemia de COVID-19 sobre o consumo de equipamentos e produtos de proteção individual (EPPI), assim como a frequência de infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) em pacientes não infectadas por COVID-19 submetidas a cesarianas. Métodos Foi realizado umestudo retrospectivo em umamaternidade de um hospital público de ensino que não fazia parte do serviço de referência para o tratamento do COVID-19. Foram comparados o consumo de EPPI e a ocorrência de ISC após cesárea nos períodos mensais antes e após a ocorrência do primeiro caso de COVID-19 em Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. O consumo de EPPI foimedido emunidades demáscaras, luvas, aventais e gorros, e o uso de produtos à base de álcool ou de sabonete para higienização das mãos em ml/paciente/dia. O índice SSI foi calculado como a proporção de casos de ISC sobre o número de cesarianas realizadas mensalmente durante o período do estudo. Resultados Houve aumento em todos os itens medidos do EPPI, com o consumo de máscaras descartáveis apresentando uma mediana de 1.450 no período pré-COVID e de 2550 no período pós-COVID (aumento de 75,9%). Detectou-se também diminuição de ISC, com medianas de 1,74 no período pré-COVID e de 0,89 no período pós-COVID, com redução de 49% no valor da mediana. Conclusão O aumento do consumo de EPPI pode ser resultado de práticas mais seguras adotadas pelos profissionais de saúde com o advento do COVID-19, do qual a redução na ocorrência de ISC pode ser uma consequência direta. Apesar da gravidade da crise, pode-se afirmar que situações extremas podem gerar reflexões valiosas e oportunidades de melhorias.

Pre-hospital assistance by ambulance in the context of coronavirus infections.

OBJECTIVE: To reflect on the safe care exercised by the pre-hospital care team by emergency ambulance in times of coronavirus infection. METHOD: A reflection and description of how to provide safe care to the patient and the professional during pre-hospital care in times of coronavirus infection. RESULTS: To ensure the health of all those involved in the care, health professionals who work in pre-hospital care by emergency ambulance should use the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as the use of surgical masks and N95, N99, N100, PFF2 or PFF3, the use of an apron or overall, goggles and face shield, gloves and a hat. The entire team must receive training and demonstrate the ability to use PPE correctly and safely. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The professional working in the pre-hospital care by ambulance is exposed to a series of occupational risks that need to be discussed and minimized through professional training.

Paradigms about the COVID-19 pandemic: knowledge, attitudes and practices from medical students.

BACKGROUND: As the disease caused by the novel coronavirus has spread globally, there has been significant economic instability in the healthcare systems. This reality was especially accentuated in Ecuador where, the shortage of healthcare workers combined with cultural and macroeconomic factors has led Ecuador to face the most aggressive outbreak in Latin America. In this context, the participation of final-year medical students on the front line is indispensable. Appropriate training on COVID-19 is an urgent requirement that universities and health systems must guarantee. We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Ecuadorian final-year medical students that could potentially guide the design of better medical education curricula regarding COVID-19. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional 33-item online survey conducted between April 6 to April 2020 assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis toward COVID-19 in Ecuadorian final-year medical students. It was sent by email, Facebook, and WhatsApp. RESULTS: A total of 309 students responded to the survey. Out of which 88% of students scored high (≥ 70% correct) for knowledge of the disease. The majority of students were pessimistic about possible government actions, which is reflected in the negative attitude towards the control of COVID-19 and volunteering during the outbreak in Ecuador (77%, and 58% of the students, respectively). Moreover, 91% of students said they did not have adequate protective equipment. The latter finding was significantly associated with negative attitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Although a large number of students displayed negative attitudes, the non-depreciable percentage of students who were willing to volunteer and the coexisting high level of knowledge displayed by students, suggests that Ecuador has a capable upcoming workforce that could benefit from an opportunity to strengthen, improve and advance their training in preparation for COVID-19. Not having personal protective equipment was significantly associated to negative attitudes. Providing the necessary tools and creating a national curriculum may be one of the most effective ways to ensure all students are trained, whilst simultaneously focusing on the students' most pressing concerns. With this additional training, negative attitudes will improve and students will be better qualified.

Availability of personal protective equipment and diagnostic and treatment facilities for healthcare workers involved in COVID-19 care: A cross-sectional study in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador.

Many affected counties have had experienced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We aimed to investigate the needs of healthcare professionals and the technical difficulties faced by them during the initial outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among the healthcare workforce in the most populous cities from three Latin American countries in April 2020. In total, 1,082 participants were included. Of these, 534 (49.4%), 263 (24.3%), and 114 (10.5%) were physicians, nurses, and other professionals, respectively. At least 70% of participants reported a lack of PPE. The most common shortages were shortages in gown coverall suits (643, 59.4%), N95 masks (600, 55.5%), and face shields (569, 52.6%). Professionals who performed procedures that generated aerosols reported shortages more frequently (p<0.05). Professionals working in the emergency department and primary care units reported more shortages than those working in intensive care units and hospital-based wards (p<0.001). Up to 556 (51.4%) participants reported the lack of sufficient knowledge about using PPE. Professionals working in public institutions felt less prepared, received less training, and had no protocols compared with their peers in working private institutions (p<0.001). Although the study sample corresponded to different hospital centers in different cities from the participating countries, sampling was non-random. Healthcare professionals in Latin America may face more difficulties than those from other countries, with 7 out of 10 professionals reporting that they did not have the necessary resources to care for patients with COVID-19. Technical and logistical difficulties should be addressed in the event of a future outbreak, as they have a negative impact on healthcare workers. Clinical trial registration: NCT04486404.

Prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: to identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19. METHODS: a scope review carried out by searching for studies in databases and institutional health websites. The final sample was 25 articles. RESULTS: among the main measures are the use of masks by suspected or infected people in contact with healthy newborns, hand hygiene before and after each care and feeding as well as the tools used for milking. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in neonatology services to maintain a private room for infected newborns or to use physical barriers. Early diagnosis and timely case management is essential to reduce virus transmissibility. CONCLUSIONS: the research contributed to elucidate health and nursing actions in preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19.

The trauma and acute care surgeon in the COVID-19 pandemic era.

The World Health Organization recognized in March 2020 the existence of a pandemic for the new coronavirus that appeared in China, in late 2019, and whose disease was named COVID-19. In this context, the SBAIT (Brazilian Society of Integrated Care for Traumatized Patients) conducted a survey with 219 trauma and emergency surgeons regarding the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the role of the surgeon in this pandemic by means of an electronic survey. It was observed that surgeons have been acting under inadequate conditions, with a lack of basic supplies as well as more specific equipment such as N95 masks and facial shields for the care of potential victims who may be contaminated. The latter increases the risk of contamination of professionals, resulting in potential losses in the working teams. Immediate measures must be taken to guarantee access to safety equipment throughout the country, since all trauma victims and/or patients with emergency surgical conditions must be treated as potential carriers of COVID-19.

Cirurgias eletivas e a pandemia COVID-19 / Elective surgeries and the COVID-19 pandemic

Em razão da pandemia, uma das medidas de enfrentamento ao COVID-19 foi a suspensão de procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos com o intuito de preservar equipamentos de proteção individual (EPI), preservar leitos e evitar o colapso do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e consequente desassistência a pacientes infectados pelo novo Coronavírus (SARS-COV-2). Tal medida foi tomada internacional e nacionalmente, conforme a realidade epidemiológica e de disponibilidade de leitos de cada localidade. No Estado de Goiás, a Portaria nº 511, de 23 de março de 2020, suspendeu "todas as consultas e procedimentos eletivos presenciais, ambulatoriais e cirúrgicos, realizados em ambientes públicos e privados, no âmbito do Estado de Goiás, mantendo apenas aqueles cujo risco e necessidade estivessem ligados diretamente à manutenção da vida" (Art. 1º). Posteriormente, o Decreto nº 9.653, de 19 de abril de 2020 autorizou o funcionamento de "farmácias, clínicas de vacinação, óticas, laboratórios de análises clínicas e unidades de saúde, públicas ou privadas, exceto as de cunho exclusivamente estético" (Inciso I, §1º, Art. 2º). Esta revisão apresenta o posicionamento do Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dos Estados Unidos, no Brasil, os Estados de Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro e uma compilação quanto à estruturação da rede de atendimento dedicado aos casos relacionados à COVID-19, taxa de ocupação de leitos, quantitativo de EPI disponível (aquele com menor previsão de duração) nas unidades da rede própria do Estado de Goiás

Due to the pandemic, one of the measures to combat COVID-19 was the suspension of elective surgical procedures in order to preserve personal protective equipment (PPE), preserve beds and prevent the collapse of the Unified Health System (SUS) and consequent lack of assistance to patients infected with the new Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). This measure was taken internationally and nationally, according to the epidemiological reality and the availability of beds in each location. In the State of Goiás, Ordinance No. 511, of March 23, 2020, suspended "all in-person, outpatient and surgical elective consultations and procedures, performed in public and private environments, within the State of Goiás, maintaining only those whose risk and necessity were directly linked to the maintenance of life "(Art. 1). Subsequently, Decree nº 9.653, of April 19, 2020 authorized the operation of "pharmacies, vaccination clinics, opticians, clinical analysis laboratories and health units, public or private, except those of an exclusively aesthetic nature" (Item I, §1, Art. 2). This review presents the positioning of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from the United States, in Brazil, the States of Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro and a compilation regarding the structuring of the service network dedicated to cases related to COVID-19, rate of bed occupancy, quantity of PPE available (the one with the least expected duration) in the units of the state's own network in Goiás

Prevention and control measures for neonatal COVID-19 infection: a scoping review / Medidas de prevención y control para la infección neonatal de COVID-19: revisión del alcance / Medidas de prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify with the literature the measures to prevent and control neonatal infection by COVID-19. Methods: a scope review carried out by searching for studies in databases and institutional health websites. The final sample was 25 articles. Results: among the main measures are the use of masks by suspected or infected people in contact with healthy newborns, hand hygiene before and after each care and feeding as well as the tools used for milking. It is indispensable to use personal protective equipment by health professionals in neonatology services to maintain a private room for infected newborns or to use physical barriers. Early diagnosis and timely case management is essential to reduce virus transmissibility. Conclusions: the research contributed to elucidate health and nursing actions in preventing and controlling neonatal infection by COVID-19.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar con la literatura las medidas para la prevención y el control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19. Métodos: revisión del alcance, realizada mediante la búsqueda de estudios en bases de datos y sitios web de salud institucional. La muestra final fue de 25 publicaciones. Resultados: entre las principales medidas, destacan el uso de máscaras por personas sospechosas o infectadas en contacto con recién nacidos sanos, la higiene de las manos antes y después de cada cuidado y alimentación, así como las herramientas utilizadas para ordeñar. Es esencial utilizar equipos de protección personal por parte de profesionales de la salud en los servicios de neonatología y mantener una habitación privada para los recién nacidos infectados o el uso de barreras físicas. El diagnóstico temprano y el manejo oportuno de los casos es esencial para reducir la transmisibilidad del virus. Conclusiones: la investigación contribuyó a dilucidar las acciones de salud y enfermería en la prevención y control de la infección neonatal por COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar junto à literatura as medidas de prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19. Métodos: revisão de escopo, realizada mediante busca de estudos em bases de dados e sites institucionais de saúde. A amostra final foi de 25 publicações. Resultados: dentre as principais medidas, destacam-se o uso de máscaras por pessoas suspeitas ou infectadas no contato com neonatos saudáveis, a higienização das mãos antes e após cada cuidado e mamada assim como dos utensílios utilizados para ordenha. É indispensável o uso dos equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais de saúde nos serviços de neonatologia e a manutenção de quarto privativo para neonatos infectados ou uso de barreiras físicas. O diagnóstico precoce e manejo oportuno dos casos é fundamental para a redução da transmissibilidade do vírus. Conclusões: a pesquisa contribuiu para elucidação das ações de saúde e enfermagem na prevenção e controle de infecção neonatal por COVID-19.

Acidentes de trabalho entre profissionais da limpeza hospitalar em uma capital do Nordeste, Brasil / Workplace accidents among hospital cleaning professionals at a hospital in the city of Maranhão, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos acidentes de trabalho entre profissionais da limpeza hospitalar. Foram entrevistados 199 trabalhadores da limpeza de seis hospitais em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Primeiramente, realizou-se análise univariada e, posteriormente, utilizaram-se as análises de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com modelagem hierarquizada dos dados a fim de estimar razões de prevalências (RP) entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho (acidentes de trabalho). Houve prevalência de 13,57% de acidentes de trabalho, destes, 81,48% ocorridos com materiais perfurocortantes. Ao final da análise multivariada, identificaram-se fatores associados á ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho: idade de 18 a 30 anos, ter ensino médio incompleto, tempo de serviço de 2 a 5 anos, segregação inadequada dos resíduos de serviços de saúde (RSS), ter capacitação somente na admissão, não considerar os riscos dos resíduos à saúde e o não uso de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI). Os fatores avaliados apresentaram-se associados significativamente aos acidentes de trabalho e ressaltam a importância da educação permanente em saúde, com ênfase em capacitações periódicas e uso de EPI.

Abstract The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with workplace accidents among hospital cleaning professionals. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study of a sample of 199 cleaning workers at six hospitals in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. We first ran a univariate analysis, and later the Poisson regression analyzes with robust variance were used, with hierarchized modeling of the data in order to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) between the independent variables and the outcome (workplace accidents). The prevalence of workplace accidents is 13.57%, 81.48% of them with sharps. At the end of the multivariate analysis the following were found to be associated with workplace accidents: age between 18 and 30, not having a high-school degree, on the job for 2 to 5 years, inadequate segregation of health service waste (HSW), training only on admission, failure to consider the health hazards of hospital waste and failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Our findings reinforce the importance of continued health education, stressing periodic training and the use of PPE.

Workplace accidents among hospital cleaning professionals at a hospital in the city of Maranhão, Brazil. / Acidentes de trabalho entre profissionais da limpeza hospitalar em uma capital do Nordeste, Brasil.

The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with workplace accidents among hospital cleaning professionals. This is a cross-sectional, analytical study of a sample of 199 cleaning workers at six hospitals in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. We first ran a univariate analysis, and later the Poisson regression analyzes with robust variance were used, with hierarchized modeling of the data in order to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) between the independent variables and the outcome (workplace accidents). The prevalence of workplace accidents is 13.57%, 81.48% of them with sharps. At the end of the multivariate analysis the following were found to be associated with workplace accidents: age between 18 and 30, not having a high-school degree, on the job for 2 to 5 years, inadequate segregation of health service waste (HSW), training only on admission, failure to consider the health hazards of hospital waste and failure to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Our findings reinforce the importance of continued health education, stressing periodic training and the use of PPE.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência e os fatores associados aos acidentes de trabalho entre profissionais da limpeza hospitalar. Foram entrevistados 199 trabalhadores da limpeza de seis hospitais em São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Primeiramente, realizou-se análise univariada e, posteriormente, utilizaram-se as análises de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, com modelagem hierarquizada dos dados a fim de estimar razões de prevalências (RP) entre as variáveis independentes e o desfecho (acidentes de trabalho). Houve prevalência de 13,57% de acidentes de trabalho, destes, 81,48% ocorridos com materiais perfurocortantes. Ao final da análise multivariada, identificaram-se fatores associados á ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho: idade de 18 a 30 anos, ter ensino médio incompleto, tempo de serviço de 2 a 5 anos, segregação inadequada dos resíduos de serviços de saúde (RSS), ter capacitação somente na admissão, não considerar os riscos dos resíduos à saúde e o não uso de equipamento de proteção individual (EPI). Os fatores avaliados apresentaram-se associados significativamente aos acidentes de trabalho e ressaltam a importância da educação permanente em saúde, com ênfase em capacitações periódicas e uso de EPI.