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Tabash MI, Abu Saada AAS, AbuQamar M, Mansour HH, Alajerami Y, Abushab K. Infection control measures at diagnostic imaging departments in governmental hospitals, Gaza-Strip. Radiography (Lond) 2024; 30:567-573. [PMID: 38286039 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infection prevention and control (IPC) is crucial in safeguarding patient safety and minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. AIM The study investigated infection prevention and control measures for diagnostic imaging departments at governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. METHODS The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample included all radiographers (81) and radiologists (40) working at Al Shifa Medical Complex and European Gaza Hospital (EGH). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire (121) and an observation checklist. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26, and the result was significant (P < 0.05). RESULTS Only 27.3 % of the participants revealed the availability of training courses for IPC. More than half of the participants received their last training sessions one year ago, and most of them attended five basic in-service training sessions related to IPC. Radiologists' and medical radiographers' knowledge and practice scores regarding IPC measures were 85.3 % and 61.7 %, respectively, and there were statistically significant differences between the participants' practice domain and their years of experience (p-value .014). There is inadequate hand hygiene among radiographers in the radiology department, and only 29 % of the staff washed their hands immediately upon arrival at the unit. The total score of the Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework domains is almost equal at the two hospitals (280/500). The total score of the eight domains of the IPC Assessment Framework is 568.5/800 for Al Shifa Hospital and 516/800 for EGH, which indicates an intermediate IPC level. CONCLUSION Efforts are needed to enhance the scope and quality of implementation and to concentrate on creating long-term plans to sustain and promote the existing IPC program activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Regular assessments should be conducted to monitor progress, identify gaps, and guide quality improvement efforts. Assessment feedback should be used to develop targeted interventions and continuously enhance IPC measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Tabash
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine.
| | | | - M AbuQamar
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - H H Mansour
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - Y Alajerami
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
| | - K Abushab
- Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Azhar University, Gaza, Palestine
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Asiri FK, Al Harbi NS, Alanazi MA, Aljuaid MM, Fahlevi M, Heidler P. A cross-sectional study factors associated with resilience among medical staff in radiology departments during COVID-19, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068650. [PMID: 37202141 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to assess the level of resilience of medical workers in radiology departments in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, during the COVID-19 outbreak and to explore associated factors. SETTING Medical staff, including nurses, technicians, radiology specialists and physicians, working in radiology departments at government hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 outbreak. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS The study was conducted among 375 medical workers in radiology departments in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The data collection took place from 15 February 2022 to 31 March 2022. RESULTS The total resilience score was 29.37±6.760 and the scores of each dimension showed that the higher mean score was observed in the domain of 'flexibility', while the lowest was observed in 'maintaining attention under stress'. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was a significant negative correlation between resilience and perceived stress (r=-0.498, p<0.001). Finally, based on multiple linear regression analysis, factors affecting resilience among participants are the availability of psychological hotline (available, B=2.604, p<0.050), knowledge of COVID-19 protective measures (part of understanding, B=-5.283, p<0.001), availability of adequate protective materials (partial shortage, B=-2.237, p<0.050), stress (B=-0.837, p<0.001) and education (postgraduate, B=-1.812, p<0.050). CONCLUSIONS This study sheds light on the level of resilience and the factors that contribute to resilience in radiology medical staff. Moderate levels of resilience call for health administrators to focus on developing strategies that can effectively help cope with workplace adversities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nouf Sahal Al Harbi
- Department of Health Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manal Abdullah Alanazi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Prince Sultan Military Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Aljuaid
- Department of Health Administration, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mochammad Fahlevi
- Management Department, BINUS Online Learning, Bina Nusantara University, Jakarta, 11480, Indonesia
| | - Petra Heidler
- Institute of International Trade and Sustainable Economy, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Krems, Austria
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Lawal O, Omiyi D, York H, Akudjedu TN. Towards describing the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical radiography education: A systematic review. J Med Imaging Radiat Sci 2022; 53:487-497. [PMID: 35732562 PMCID: PMC9149048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant and rapid changes to the traditional ways of providing radiography education, including adaptations to teaching and learning styles as well as disruptions to students' clinical placement. This review explored the impact of the pandemic on clinical radiography education globally. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on relevant databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and SCOPUS. All relevant articles were critically appraised for quality and subjected to information extraction and results-based convergent synthesis. RESULTS A total of 17 articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for this review. The key findings are themed around challenges and benefits with the introduction of new teaching and learning approaches and resilience exhibited by students during the pandemic to overcome: inadequate support and mentorship while transitioning to fully qualified professionals, challenges with PPE usage, and impact on personal and academic life. CONCLUSIONS Globally, radiography students experienced several challenges, especially during the initial acute phase of the pandemic. The pandemic-related challenges identified in this review could negatively influence the radiography student attrition rates, consequently worsening the existing radiography workforce shortage. Thus, urgent institutional level support systems and interventions would be necessary to mitigate the pandemic impact and improve the students' learning experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olanrewaju Lawal
- Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
| | - David Omiyi
- School of Allied Health Professions and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford. UK
| | - Helen York
- Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Theophilus N Akudjedu
- Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Faculty of Health & Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, UK
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Tay YX, Kothan S, Kada S, Cai S, Lai CWK. Challenges and optimization strategies in medical imaging service delivery during COVID-19. World J Radiol 2021; 13:102-121. [PMID: 34141091 PMCID: PMC8188837 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v13.i5.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), medical imaging plays an essential role in the diagnosis, management and disease progression surveillance. Chest radiography and computed tomography are commonly used imaging techniques globally during this pandemic. As the pandemic continues to unfold, many healthcare systems worldwide struggle to balance the heavy strain due to overwhelming demand for healthcare resources. Changes are required across the entire healthcare system and medical imaging departments are no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on medical imaging practices. It is now time to pay further attention to the profound challenges of COVID-19 on medical imaging services and develop effective strategies to get ahead of the crisis. Additionally, preparation for operations and survival in the post-pandemic future are necessary considerations. This review aims to comprehensively examine the challenges and optimization of delivering medical imaging services in relation to the current COVID-19 global pandemic, including the role of medical imaging during these challenging times and potential future directions post-COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xiang Tay
- Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Suchart Kothan
- Center of Radiation Research and Medical Imaging, Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
| | - Sundaran Kada
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen Postbox 7030, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Sihui Cai
- Radiography Department, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Christopher Wai Keung Lai
- Department of Health and Social Sciences, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
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Liu S, Xie M, Zhang Z, Wu X, Gao F, Lu L, Zhang J, Xie Y, Yang F, Ye Z. A 3D hologram with mixed reality techniques for better understanding the pulmonary lesions of COVID-19: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e24081. [PMID: 34061760 PMCID: PMC8437403 DOI: 10.2196/24081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 outbreak has now become a pandemic and has had a serious adverse impact on global public health. The effect of COVID-19 on the lungs can be determined through 2D computed tomography (CT) imaging, which requires a high level of spatial imagination on the part of the medical provider. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine whether viewing a 3D hologram with mixed reality techniques can improve medical professionals’ understanding of the pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. Methods The study involved 60 participants, including 20 radiologists, 20 surgeons, and 20 medical students. Each of the three groups was randomly divided into two groups, either the 2D CT group (n=30; mean age 29 years [range 19-38 years]; males=20) or the 3D holographic group (n=30; mean age 30 years [range 20=38 years]; males=20). The two groups completed the same task, which involved identifying lung lesions caused by COVID-19 for 6 cases using a 2D CT or 3D hologram. Finally, an independent radiology professor rated the participants' performance (out of 100). All participants in two groups completed a Likert scale questionnaire regarding the educational utility and efficiency of 3D holograms. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) was completed by all participants. Results The mean task score of the 3D hologram group (mean 91.98, SD 2.45) was significantly higher than that of the 2D CT group (mean 74.09, SD 7.59; P<.001). With the help of 3D holograms, surgeons and medical students achieved the same score as radiologists and made obvious progress in identifying pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. The Likert scale questionnaire results showed that the 3D hologram group had superior results compared to the 2D CT group (teaching: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; understanding and communicating: 2D CT group median 1, IQR 1-1 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; increasing interest: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 2-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; lowering the learning curve: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 4, IQR 4-5; P<.001; spatial awareness: 2D CT group median 2, IQR 1-2 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001; learning: 2D CT group median 3, IQR 2-3 versus 3D group median 5, IQR 5-5; P<.001). The 3D group scored significantly lower than the 2D CT group for the “mental,” “temporal,” “performance,” and “frustration” subscales on the NASA-TLX. Conclusions A 3D hologram with mixed reality techniques can be used to help medical professionals, especially medical students and newly hired doctors, better identify pulmonary lesions caused by COVID-19. It can be used in medical education to improve spatial awareness, increase interest, improve understandability, and lower the learning curve. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100045845; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=125761
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Affiliation(s)
- Songxiang Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN.,Intelligent Medical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., wuhan, CN
| | - Mao Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Zhicai Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Xinghuo Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Lin Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Jiayao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., wuhan, CN
| | - Zhewei Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., Jiefang Avenue No. 1277, Wuhan, Hubei , China., wuhan, CN.,Intelligent Medical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China., wuhan, CN
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Axiaq A, Almohtadi A, Massias SA, Ngemoh D, Harky A. The role of computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. Curr Opin Pulm Med 2021; 27:163-168. [PMID: 33560673 DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize current literature evidence on the role of computed tomography (CT) scan in the diagnosis and assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. RECENT FINDINGS Recent guidelines on the use of CT scans in COVID-19 vary between countries. However, the consensus is that it should not be used as the first line; a notion supported by the WHO. Currently, several investigations are being used including reverse transcription PCR testing, chest radiographs, and ultrasound scans, and CT scans. They are ideally performed later during the disease process as the sensitivity and specificity are highest by that time. Typical COVID-19 features on CT scans vary but include vascular enlargement, ground-glass opacities, and ground glass opacification together with consolidation. SUMMARY Since COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic, there was a push towards identifying appropriate diagnostic tests that are both reliable and effective. There is a general agreement that CT scans have a high sensitivity but low specificity in diagnosing COVID-19. However, the quality of available studies is not optimal, so this must always be interpreted with the clinical context in mind. Clinicians must aim to weigh up the practicalities and drawbacks of CT scans when considering their use for a patient. The ease and speed of use of CT scans must be balanced with their high radiation doses, and infection control considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Axiaq
- School of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast
| | | | | | - Dorette Ngemoh
- Medical School, St George's University of London, London
| | - Amer Harky
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Alder Hey Children Hospital, Liverpool, UK
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Kassem MNE, Masallat DT. Clinical Application of Chest Computed Tomography (CT) in Detection and Characterization of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pneumonia in Adults. J Digit Imaging 2021; 34:273-283. [PMID: 33565000 PMCID: PMC7872307 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-021-00426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To analyze diagnostic accuracy of chest computed tomography (CT) and RT-PCR (real-time polymerase chain reaction) for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) pneumonia in early and progressive stages. To evaluate if combination of chest CT with RT-PCR can supplement the shortage of RT-PCR in diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia. We conducted a prospective study on 103 male patients. The study population were divided into two groups; early COVID-19 stage (number = 50 patients, with positive RT-PCR but mild symptoms) and progressive COVID-19 stage (number = 53, positive RT-PCR and sever symptoms including fever > 37.5 °C, cough, and shortness of breath). All patients underwent CT imaging. The early stage included typical category; 34% (17 out of 50 cases), 6% indeterminate category (3 cases), 10% atypical category (5 cases) and 50% (25 cases) were normal CT imaging. The progressive stage included typical category that was further divided to five subgroups; (i) peripheral bilateral lower lobe ground-glass opacity (GGO) in (37.7%), (ii) peripheral bilateral lower lobes GGO with peribronchovascular consolidation and bronchiolar dilatation in (18.8%), (iii) peripheral bilateral lower lobes GGO with crazy paving appearance in (15%), (iv) bilateral diffuse GGO in (18.8%), and (v) peripheral bilateral GGO with mediastinal lymph node enlargement (9.4%). Chest CT imaging could aid to supplement the shortages of PCR for clinically suspected patients of COVID-19 in the epidemic area as CT was positive in 50% of patients. Chest CT is very effective in detecting pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities in the progressive stage of COVID-19 patients in 100%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. E. Kassem
- Department of Radiology, Damietta Hospital, Al-Azhar University, Damietta, Egypt
- Czech Rehabilitation Hospital, Royal Health Group, Al-Ain, UAE
| | - Doaa T. Masallat
- Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Rona G, Arifoğlu M, Voyvoda N, Batırel A. Should CT be used for the diagnosis of RT-PCR-negative suspected COVID-19 patients? CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2021; 15:491-498. [PMID: 33484085 PMCID: PMC8014557 DOI: 10.1111/crj.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The diagnosis of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) suspicion but negative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test is challenging. Objective We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of chest computed tomography (CT) in RT‐PCR‐negative patients with suspected COVID‐19. Materials and methods The study included patients who were admitted to our hospital with the suspicion of COVID‐19 between 1 April 2020 and 30 April 2020 and tested negative after RT‐PCR test, and underwent CT for further diagnosis. Initial CT findings were classified as typical, indeterminate, and atypical for COVID‐19, and negative for pneumonia. Incidental findings on CT were noted. Results Of the 338 patients with a mean age of 57 years (min 18 years–max 96 years), 168 (49.70%) were male and 170 (50.29%) were female. The most common symptoms were cough (58.87%), fever (40.82%), and dyspnea (39.34%). The CT findings were typical for COVID‐19 in 109 (32.24%) patients, indeterminate in 47 (13.90%) patients, and atypical in 77 (22.78%) patients. The CT findings of 105 (31.06%) patients were negative for pneumonia. Incidental lung nodules suspicious of malignancy were identified in seven patients. Seventy‐seven patients (22.78%) had extrapulmonary incidental findings Conclusion The diagnostic value of CT in RT‐PCR‐negative patients with suspected COVID‐19 is not very high. Based on clinical, laboratory, and chest x‐ray findings, it may be more appropriate to refer patients to CT after the first triage, when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günay Rona
- Department of Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Doktor Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Arifoğlu
- Department of Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Doktor Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nuray Voyvoda
- Department of Radiology, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Doktor Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Batırel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Health Sciences, Kartal Doktor Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
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Zeinalnezhad M, Chofreh AG, Goni FA, Klemeš JJ, Sari E. Simulation and Improvement of Patients' Workflow in Heart Clinics during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Timed Coloured Petri Nets. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8577. [PMID: 33227940 PMCID: PMC7699255 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has spread across the world within months and creates multiple challenges for healthcare providers. Patients with cardiovascular disease represent a vulnerable population when suffering from COVID-19. Most hospitals have been facing difficulties in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and there is a need to minimise patient flow time so that staff health is less endangered, and more patients can be treated. This article shows how to use simulation techniques to prepare hospitals for a virus outbreak. The initial simulation of the current processes of the heart clinic first identified the bottlenecks. It confirmed that the current workflow is not optimal for COVID-19 patients; therefore, to reduce waiting time, three optimisation scenarios are proposed. In the best situation, the discrete-event simulation of the second scenario led to a 62.3% reduction in patient waiting time. This is one of the few studies that show how hospitals can use workflow modelling using timed coloured Petri nets to manage healthcare systems in practice. This technique would be valuable in these challenging times as the health of staff, and other patients are at risk from the nosocomial transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoomeh Zeinalnezhad
- Department of Industrial Engineering, West Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1468763785, Iran
| | - Abdoulmohammad Gholamzadeh Chofreh
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory–SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 61669 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.G.C.); (F.A.G.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Feybi Ariani Goni
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory–SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 61669 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.G.C.); (F.A.G.); (J.J.K.)
- Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Management, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Kolejni 2906/4, 61200 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Jaromír Klemeš
- Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory–SPIL, NETME Centre, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Brno University of Technology, VUT Brno, Technická 2896/2, 61669 Brno, Czech Republic; (A.G.C.); (F.A.G.); (J.J.K.)
| | - Emelia Sari
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Universitas Trisakti, Kyai Tapa No 1, Grogol, Jakarta Barat 11440, Indonesia;
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