AI Article Synopsis

  • * A survey conducted across 19 facilities, involving 373 healthcare professionals, revealed that all units screened patients for SARS-CoV-2, but endoscopic procedures decreased by 44% due to safety protocols.
  • * Personal protective equipment (PPE) was universally adopted, and daily risk assessments ensured no infections occurred among healthcare professionals, validating the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society's preventive recommendations.

Article Abstract

An on-going coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a challenge all over the world. Since an endoscopy unit and its staff are at potentially high risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, we conducted a survey for the management of the gastrointestinal endoscopic practice, personal protective equipment (PPE), and risk assessment for COVID-19 during the pandemic at multiple facilities. The 11-item survey questionnaire was sent to representative respondent of Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka City University Hospital, and its 19 related facilities. A total of 18 facilities submitted valid responses and a total of 373 health care professionals (HCPs) participated. All facilities (18/18: 100%) were screening patients at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection before endoscopy. During the pandemic, we found that the total volume of endoscopic procedures decreased by 44%. Eleven facilities (11/18: 61%) followed recommendations of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society (JGES); consequently, about 35%-50% of esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy were canceled. Mask (surgical mask or N95 mask), face shield/goggle, gloves (one or two sets), and gown (with long or short sleeves) were being used by endoscopists, nurses, endoscopy technicians, and endoscope cleaning staff in all the facilities (18/18: 100%). SARS-CoV-2 infection risk assessment of HCPs was conducted daily in all the facilities (18/18: 100%), resulting in no subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCPs. COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on the gastrointestinal endoscopic practice. The recommendations of the JGES were appropriate as preventive measures for the SARSCoV-2 infection in the endoscopy unit and its staff.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/rjim-2020-0038DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

sars-cov-2 infection
16
gastrointestinal endoscopic
12
endoscopic practice
12
facilities 18/18
12
18/18 100%
12
covid-19 pandemic
8
endoscopy unit
8
unit staff
8
risk assessment
8
infection endoscopy
8

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!