Summary recommendations on the use of protective equipment for health care personnel involved in triage and ambulatory consult of patients in COVID-19 pandemic

Background@#In a low resource setting, strategies to optimize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies are being observed. Alternative protective measures were identified to protect health care personnel during delivery of care@*Objective@#To provide list of recommendations on alternative protective equipment during this Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic@*Methodology@#Articles available on the various research databases were reviewed, appraised and evaluated for its quality and relevance. Discrepancies were rechecked and consensus was achieved by discussion.@*Recommendations@#The use of engineering control such as barriers in the reception areas minimize the risk of healthcare personnel. Personal protective equipment needed are face shields or googles, N95 respirators, impermeable gown and gloves. If supplies are limited, the use of N95 respirators are prioritized in performing aerosol-generating procedures, otherwise, surgical masks are acceptable alternative. Cloth masks do not give adequate protection, but can be considered if it is used with face shield. Fluid-resistance, impermeable gown and non-sterile disposable gloves are recommended when attending to patients suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Used, soiled or damaged PPE should be carefully removed and properly discarded. Extended use of PPE can be considered, while re-use is only an option if supplies run low. Reusable equipment should be cleaned and disinfected every after use@*Conclusion@#In supplies shortage, personal protective equipment was optimized by extended use and reuse following observance of standard respiratory infection control procedures such as avoid touching the face and handwashing. The addition of physical barriers in ambulatory and triage areas add another layer of protection

Self-evaluation by residents in ambulatory clinic practice at Fukuoka University Hospital / 医学教育

1) We have performed ambulatory clinic practice for first-year residents 3 times. Residents evaluated the practice program and their own examination skills using questionnaires after the practice.2) Most residents felt that this program was necessary and effective for clinical training. Self-evaluation scores for the last practice were slightly higher than those for the first practice in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.3) Residents recognized the importance of ambulatory clinic practice. This program was suggested to be effective for postgraduate clinical education.

Report on clinical clerkships at an outpatient clinic / 医学教育

1) During clinical clerkships at an outpatient clinic, medical students recognized the importance of medical interviews for problem-solving and for the physician-patient relationship.<BR>2) The clinical clerkships were well accepted by patients.<BR>3) Students worked harmoniously as members of medical teams.