1.Endoscopy in a COVID-19 referral National University Hospital: A single-center experience and recommendations
John Mark K. Torres ; Eric B. Yasay ; Ma. Lourdes O. Daez ; Mark Anthony A. de Lusong
Acta Medica Philippina 2021;55(2):247-255
Rationale. COVID-19 pandemic disease, can be transmitted during gastrointestinal procedures, via aerosolized droplets, and via fecal shedding. Both international and local endoscopy societies have issued strategies to alleviate the risk to endoscopy personnel. However, several barriers against the implementation of these recommendations exist thus individual center’s policies are employed whenever applicable.
Objectives. This narrative study aims to describe the current experience and set-up in the endoscopy unit of a COVID referral center, discuss the stratification of patients for endoscopy, the operational management of the personnel and endoscopy unit in line with the adapted local and international guidelines and offer endoscopists a quick reference guide to adapt endoscopy practice during the pandemic in a resource-limited setting.
Methodology. This paper reviews and consolidates current endoscopy guidelines and describes the single-center experience of Philippine General Hospital.
Results. In resource-limited settings, with uncertainties of prolonged COVID-19 impact to healthcare, modification of practice, adherence to strategies and recommendations, empowerment of workforce, establishing the sustainability of resources, training, and service to patients, are essential components to combat current dilemma brought about by this pandemic.
Conclusion. Integration of current local and international guidelines encompass all aspects of endoscopy practice during the pandemic. The recommendations cited are aimed to guide other resource-limited endoscopy units for potential changes and guidance in the overall practice.
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2.Integration of a virtual pharmacy simulation platform in remote learning: Experiences and early lessons of UP College of Pharmacy
Kristine Eves S. Garcia ; Frances Lois U. Ngo ; Marc Joseph A. Sison ; Roderick L. Salenga ; Francis R. Capule
Philippine Journal of Health Research and Development 2021;25(Online):1-4
The COVID-19 pandemic created the urgent need to use online and virtual platforms to facilitate development of skills and competencies as part of remote learning of students. MyDispense®, a learning management system developed by Monash University in Australia, is a practice-based online tool utilized by the University of the Philippines College of Pharmacy to teach dispensing skills in Dispensing and Incompatibilities courses (Phar 154 and Pharm 133). This commentary describes how MyDispense® was used as an online retail pharmacy simulation through the SEIPS (Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety) model, with discussion on how the person, tasks, organization, tools and technology, and virtual environment work within the teaching and learning process in dispensing. The application of MyDispense® as a learning platform both in remote and traditional teaching can be further explored to maximize its features and utility.
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4.Rehabilitation for COVID-19 Early Functional Return (RECOVER): Ensuring delivery of Inpatient rehabilitation services for patients with COVID-19 in a low resource setting
Sharon D. Ignacio ; Isabella E. Supnet ; Therese Diane B. Estrada ; Dorothy D. Dy Ching Bing-Agsaoay ; Kristopher P. de Leon
Acta Medica Philippina 2022;56(4):7-9
Early into the pandemic, medical attention centered on the immediate need for intensive medical care of patients diagnosed to have coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). As more data emerged on the best medical care possible, attention was also given to the complications and long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
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6.Qualitative assessment of the concerns on treatment and patient health among patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Jessabeth Bibat Mercado ; Maria Febi Billones De Ramos ; Maria Stephanie Fay Samadan Cagayan
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;47(3):129-134
Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic has immobilized and impaired the operation of hospitals,
clinics, and other health-care facilities leaving a plethora of patients and persons-at-risk in a more
precarious position. Cancer patients were vulnerable to infections and complications due to the
nature of the malignancy. Their caregivers were likewise predisposed to infection while taking care
of them. This paper focused on determining the concerns of both gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
(GTN) patients and their caregivers and identified possible factors of improvement in the delivery
of essential cancer care.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to describe the different concerns of GTN patients
and their caregivers during chemotherapy and other adjunctive treatments during the COVID-19
pandemic in a Tertiary Government Hospital.
Materials and methods:
A qualitative type of research was employed in this research, for
which an in-depth interview was used. A total of 12 respondents, 6 patients and 6 caregivers, were
interviewed using a semi-structured pretested questionnaire.
Results:
Findings showed that infection with COVID-19, financial and logistical constraints
exacerbated by the pandemic were the main concerns of both patients and caregivers. Other
concerns recorded include change in their attending physician, survivability of the patient, and the
availability of caregivers.
Conclusions
Despite the recorded apprehensions from the patients and caregivers, there was
a general satisfaction in the delivery of health care at the Division of Trophoblastic Diseases due to
the clarity in the follow-up and treatment schedules which have been optimized through the revised
guidelines and protocols set by the division to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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7.The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic oncology patients receiving cancer treatment in a COVID-19 referral hospital
Renee Riza Cartago Medalla ; Jericho Thaddeus P. Luna
Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023;47(4):199-205
Introduction:
Cancer patients are more susceptible to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection because they are immunosuppressed by their disease or therapy, most of them have coexisting medical conditions, and they frequently visit hospitals for treatment and surveillance.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic oncology patients receiving treatment in a COVID-19 referral hospital.
Materials and Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 47 gynecologic cancer patients receiving treatment from June 2020 to December 2020 was performed. All patients underwent SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test and symptom and exposure assessment before the start of cancer treatment. Patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test results received their planned treatment, and a repeat swab test and triage assessment were done midtreatment and after treatment.
Results:
Five (10.6%) patients had positive baseline SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab results, but all proceeded with treatment after negative results were obtained. Only 1 (2.13%) patient had a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test result at midtreatment. All patients had no COVID-19-associated symptoms and none of them tested positive for COVID-19 infection posttreatment.
Conclusion
The prevalence of COVID-19 infection among gynecologic cancer patients receiving cancer treatment is 2.13%. All patients who had positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR swab test results at baseline or midtreatment were able to continue and complete treatment. There were no severe clinical events or mortalities among those affected with COVID-19 infection.
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8.Triple ripples: The Neuropsychiatric aftermath of COVID-19 infection
Maria Carmela M. Alipio ; Anna Aurelia Noel-Cortes
The Philippine Journal of Psychiatry 2022;3(1-2):16-25
This case illustrates the myriad neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with the direct and indirect
exposure to COVID-19 infection. The disruption in our daily routines, the uncertainty brought on by the
then novel and unknown condition, the specter of death and the “horror” stories that spread through the
grapevine during the lockdown shook the foundations of our existence. To make matters even worse, the
government protocols required those infected to move away from the comfort of the familiar and the
emotional support of family and friends.
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9.COVID-19 guidance on the resumption of eye surgery
Jacqueline H. King ; Jubaida M. Aquino ; Rachelle G. Anzures ; John Mark S. de Leon ; Maria Victoria A. Rondaris ; Maria Donna D. Santiago ; Cynthia V. Verzosa
Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology 2021;46(1):2-14
This document offers guidance to help the ophthalmologist plan for the safe resumption of elective surgical care.
There are 4 sections: (I) COVID-19 Awareness, (II) Preparedness, (III) Patient Issues, and (IV) Delivery of Safe
and High-Quality Care. Each section contains key issues to be addressed before elective surgery may be safely
reinstituted.
Understanding the capabilities of health facilities (e.g., testing, operating rooms) as well as the potential limitations
in manpower and supplies will remain important, while keeping an eye out on subsequent waves of COVID-19.
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10.COVID-19 testing recommendations prior to elective ophthalmic surgeries
Jacqueline H. King ; Jubaida M. Aquino ; Rachelle G. Anzures ; John Mark S. de Leon ; Maria Victoria A. Rondaris ; Maria Donna D. Santiago ; Cynthia V. Verzosa
Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology 2021;46(1):15-19
With the resumption of elective surgeries during this COVID-19 pandemic, surgeons and facilities should implement
infection prevention and control measures to ensure the safety of patients and health care workers. This advisory
highlights the key principles, risk stratification considerations, and recommended approach regarding Covid-19
testing prior to elective ophthalmic surgeries.
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