Pandemia COVID-19: ¿un cambio de paradigma en Occidente? / COVID-19 pandemic: a paradigm shift in the West?

ABSTRACT

In this article, we develop evidence-based recommendations to efficiently administer the limited resources of the healthcare facilities in medium and low income countries in the context of a pandemic. We searched MedLine database using the MeSH terms "Pneumonia, viral/prevention and control", "Pneumonia, viral/transmission", "Coronavirus Infections/prevention and control", "Coronavirus Infections/transmission", "COVID-19", "Masks/classification", "Masks/microbiology", "Respiratory Protective Devices", among others. We recommend that the general population wears a face mask. On the institutional level, ventilation and appropriate bed distancing proved to be effective preventive measures. The most important factor in the containment of an outbreak is the timely identification of infected patients. Negative pressure and ventilation systems are also highly recommended. Using a full face mask together with a surgical mask might be an option to deal with N95 respirators shortage. We present an integral strategy with coping measures for healthcare institutions and the society in general.

RESUMEN

Elaboramos recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para administrar los recursos imprescindibles en los centros sanitarios, en contexto de pandemia, en un país de bajos recursos económicos. Se realizaron búsquedas MedLine utilizando términos MeSH "Pneumonia, viral/prevention and control", "Pneumonia, viral/transmission", "Coronavirus Infections/prevention and control", "Coronavirus Infections/transmission", "COVID-19", "Masks/classification", "Masks/microbiology", "Respiratory Protective Devices", entre otros. Se recomienda que la población general porte mascarilla. A nivel institucional, la ventilación y el correcto distanciamiento de las camas son medidas de prevención efectivas. El factor más importante en la contención de un brote es la identificación oportuna de pacientes infectados. Se recomienda el uso de presión negativa y sistemas de ventilación. Ante la escasez de mascarillas tipo N95, el uso de protectores faciales totales y mascarilla quirúrgica es una opción factible. Proponemos una estrategia integral con medidas de afrontamiento para entidades sanitarias y la sociedad en general.