Capacity to treat retinoblastoma in the Philippines

Objective@#This study determined the capacity to treat retinoblastoma (RB) in the Philippines.@*Method@#This was a cross-sectional study which included all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals and all government and private tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. An online modified questionnaire taken from the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital study on RB assessment was emailed to 143 hospitals in all 17 regions. Primary outcome measures were human resources capacity, treatment capacity and education and network capacity. Availability, frequency and confidence of use were assessed for treatment capacity. An asset-based tier classification of hospitals was created based on the human resources capacity and treatment capacity.@*Results@#This assessment survey had a 49% response rate. There were 3 regions that had zero correspondence. A general ophthalmologist, a subspecialized ophthalmologist, and a general pathologist were the most available physicians in the management of RB. Almost all respondents had the necessary diagnostic technology in their hospitals, but frequency and confidence of use were low. A quarter of the respondents (23%) used a standardized treatment protocol, while only 26% had established a referral network in their area. Tier classification was able to differentiate capacities for particular resources only. Only 23% of the participating hospitals have the capacity to treat RB through its trained human resources, available diagnostic and treatment technology, and education and network programs. Distribution of hospitals identified as tier I, II and III were 18%, 8%, and 41%, respectively.@*Conclusion@#Capacity to treat RB in the Philippines is evident only in a few hospitals, majority of which are located in the National Capital Region. However, tier 3 hospitals were identified in 10 other regions, making accessibility to RB care possible to patients in the provinces. Although human resource and technology are made available, utilization of these resources is low in many hospitals for the management of RB. Clinical practice guidelines for RB is still lacking. Connecting the different tiers in each region as a form of referral network can improve capacity and management of RB.

Strengthening nutrition knowledge of pregnant women through nutrition education during public health emergencies

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">Proper maternal nutrition evidently results in good pregnancy outcomes both for the mother and born infant. However, the process leading to good nutrition during pregnancy remains a challenge most especially during public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought limitations on access to a variety of foods as well as nutrition services. Thus, nutrition education through the provision of contextualized information, education and communication (IEC) materials was explored as an alternative delivery strategy. The delivery strategy aims to increase the number of pregnant women in Barangay Palanan, Makati City, Philippines who have adequate nutrition knowledge through IEC materials-based nutrition education that is contextualized during public health emergencies. As an outcome, the delivery strategy intends to increase the number of pregnant women who have normal nutritional status as determined by weight per month of pregnancy. Results in determining the adequacy of nutrition knowledge through pre- and post-testing show that there is a 10% increase in the passing rate from 59% at baseline to 69% at endline. From the number of pregnant women who have taken the post-test, a remarkable 52% have either post-test scores that are maintained or improved. Meanwhile, for pregnant women who have normal nutritional status, an increase of 5% was seen given by 46% at baseline to 51% at endline. Ultimately, IEC materials-based nutrition education may serve as a supplementary approach in the continuous provision of nutrition services to attain good nutrition of pregnant women amid the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

COVID-19 testing recommendations prior to elective ophthalmic surgeries

@#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.

COVID-19 guidance on the resumption of eye surgery

@#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.

Community ophthalmology: An overview

@#Community ophthalmology: an overview Community ophthalmology, also known as publichealth ophthalmology or preventive ophthalmology, has been attracting attention in the ophthalmological world. This delivery of eye care involves preventive, curative, promotive, and rehabilitative activities, making it a holistic approach (Figure 1).1 With clinical ophthalmology at its core, it incorporates basic, clinical, and public-health sciences in its dimension. It highlights the realignment from individualized care to community-based eye-care services (Table 1).1 Community ophthalmology is much more than ophthalmic practice in the hospital or clinic. It is foreseen as a health-management approach in preventing eye diseases, lowering eye morbidity rates, and promoting eye health through active community participation at the ground level. Comprehensive eyecare service must start where people live and work, and such is the thrust of community ophthalmology. Prevention and promotion should begin among the people. Thus, public eye health is evolving into one of the most challenging areas in eye care.