Characterization of COVID-19 infected pregnant women with ICU admission and the risk of preterm: A cluster analysis.

Background: The unique physiological changes during pregnancy present challenges in understanding the full scope and effects of COVID-19 on pregnant women, adding complexity to their medical management. Given the significant changes in the immune, circulatory, respiratory, and hormonal systems during the progression of the pregnancy, and the specific factors with higher risk of COVID-19, like metabolic, vascular, and endothelial factors, typically also associated with maternal and neonatal unfavorable outcomes, the full understanding of how COVID-19 affects pregnant women is not clarified yet.

Methods: In this study, anonymous data from medical records of pregnant women with lab-confirmed COVID-19 in Astana, Kazakhstan from May 1, 2021, to July 14, 2021, were collected retrospectively.

Number of palliative care nurse home visits and duration of palliative care associated with domains of the Good Death Inventory: A national survey of bereaved family caregivers in a middle income country.

Background: In the lower-middle-income country of Kazakhstan, palliative care services are in the early stages of integration into healthcare services. No prior studies have investigated associations between palliative care service factors and a good death in lower-middle-income countries, nor explored how palliative care nurses contribute to a good death. In this paper, a good death is referred to as the control of pain and symptoms, clear decision-making, a sense of closure, being recognized and perceived as an individual, preparation for death, and still being able to contribute to others, all taken together.

IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT WORK IN A HOSPITAL IN KAZAKHSTAN.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to implement health technology assessment (HA) in the First General City Hospital in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Methods: We organized trainings to familiarize hospital staff with the purpose and details of HTA. An HTA committee was established, with representation from hospital physicians and managers, and criteria for prioritization of health technologies determined.