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Aims: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant rise in mental ill-health has been observed globally in young people, particularly amongst those in their final years of secondary school. The students' negative experiences coincide with a critical transitional period, which can subsequently disrupt milestones in social and educational development. This study aims to use innovative population-level data to map the impact of the pandemic on students entering higher education. Method(s): Tertiary education application data for Victorian students were obtained from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre both pre-pandemic (2019/2020) and pandemic (2020/2021). Prevalence of mental health special considerations were compared between cohorts across geographical areas and applicant demographic subgroups. Relative risk regression models were used to understand the role of different risk factors. Result(s): The rate of mental health special considerations increased by 38% amongst all applications (pre-pandemic: 7.8%, n = 56 916;pandemic: 10.8%, n = 58 260). The highest increases were observed amongst students in areas with severe lockdown experiences and areas impacted by 2019/2020 black summer bushfires. The increases were higher amongst year 12 students and students with other preexisting risk factors (e.g., physical condition, learning disability). However, interestingly slightly higher increases were observed in areas with higher socioeconomic status, which is potentially related to inequality in mental health service access. Conclusion(s): As the consequences of mental health difficulties and academic disruption in youth can be long-lasting, it is critical to establish a mental health supportive framework both in and outside of higher education to facilitate young people's recovery from the pandemic.
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Background: In many countries, non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission resulted in significant reductions in other respiratory viruses. However, similar data from Africa are limited. We explored the extent to which viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus co-circulated with SARS-CoV-2 in The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Between April 2020 and March 2022, respiratory viruses were detected using RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs from 1397 participants with influenza-like illness. An assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 and a viral multiplex RT-PCR assay was used as previously described to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses (229E, OC43, NL63) and human rhinovirus. Result(s): Overall virus positivity was 44.2%, with prevalence higher in children <5 years (80%) compared to children aged 5-17 years (53.1%), adults aged 18-50 (39.5%) and >50 years (39.9%), p<0.0001. After SARS-CoV-2 (18.3%), rhinoviruses (10.5%) and influenza viruses (5.5%) were the most prevalent. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was lower in children <5 (4.3%) and 5-17 years (12.7%) than in adults aged 18-50 (19.3%) and >50 years (24.3%), p<0.0001. In contrast, rhinoviruses were most prevalent in children <5 years (28.7%), followed by children aged 5-17 (15.8%), adults aged 18-50 (8.3%) and >50 years (6.3%), p<0.0001. Four SARS-CoV-2 waves occurred, with 36.1%-52.4% SARS-CoV-2 positivity during peak months. Influenza infections were observed in both 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season as expected (peak positivity 16.4%-23.5%). Peaks of rhinovirus were asynchronous to the months when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza peaked. Conclusion(s): Our data show that many respiratory viruses continued to circulate during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, including human rhinoviruses, despite the presence of NPIs during the early stages of the pandemic, and influenza peaks during expected months.Copyright: © 2023 Jarju S et al.
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Misophonia is a condition in which individuals suffer a wide range of intense emotions in response to sound triggers. Emotions such as anxiety, irritability, and disgust may lead individuals to engage in avoidance behaviors to escape or suppress sound triggers. Transdiagnostic treatment may serve as a practical intervention for misophonia as it addresses a broad scope of emotions and physiological sensations. This paper presents the first reported case example of misophonia treated with a transdiagnostic treatment protocol, the Unified Protocol for Emotional Disorders in Adolescents (UP-A). In this case, the UP-A was efficacious in treating a client with autism spectrum disorder, comorbid misophonia and anxiety symptoms. The client evidenced reliable change in misophonia and related problems. Future research should investigate the efficacy of the UP-A in a larger sample of youth with misophonia, as well as assess mechanisms of change in transdiagnostic treatment of this disorder in youth.Copyright © 2022 Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
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Background: In many countries, non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission resulted in significant reductions in other respiratory viruses. However, similar data from Africa are limited. We explored the extent to which viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus co-circulated with SARS-CoV-2 in The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): Between April 2020 and March 2022, respiratory viruses were detected using RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs from 1397 participants with influenza-like illness. An assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 and a viral multiplex RT-PCR assay was used as previously described to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses (229E, OC43, NL63) and human rhinovirus. Result(s): Overall virus positivity was 44.2%, with prevalence higher in children <5 years (80%) compared to children aged 5-17 years (53.1%), adults aged 18-50 (39.5%) and >50 years (39.9%), p<0.0001. After SARS-CoV-2 (18.3%), rhinoviruses (10.5%) and influenza viruses (5.5%) were the most prevalent. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was lower in children <5 (4.3%) and 5-17 years (12.7%) than in adults aged 18-50 (19.3%) and >50 years (24.3%), p<0.0001. In contrast, rhinoviruses were most prevalent in children <5 years (28.7%), followed by children aged 5-17 (15.8%), adults aged 18-50 (8.3%) and >50 years (6.3%), p<0.0001. Four SARS-CoV-2 waves occurred, with 36.1%-52.4% SARS-CoV-2 positivity during peak months. Influenza infections were observed in both 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season as expected (peak positivity 16.4%-23.5%). Peaks of rhinovirus were asynchronous to the months when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza peaked. Conclusion(s): Our data show that many respiratory viruses continued to circulate during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, including human rhinoviruses, despite the presence of NPIs during the early stages of the pandemic, and influenza peaks during expected months.Copyright © 2022 Jarju S et al.
ABSTRACT
Background: In many countries, non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission resulted in significant reductions in other respiratory viruses. However, similar data from Africa are limited. We explored the extent to which viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus co-circulated with SARS-CoV-2 in The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Between April 2020 and March 2022, respiratory viruses were detected using RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs from 1397 participants with influenza-like illness. An assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 and a viral multiplex RT-PCR assay was used as previously described to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses (229E, OC43, NL63) and human rhinovirus. Results: Overall virus positivity was 44.2%, with prevalence higher in children <5 years (80%) compared to children aged 5-17 years (53.1%), adults aged 18-50 (39.5%) and >50 years (39.9%), p<0.0001. After SARS-CoV-2 (18.3%), rhinoviruses (10.5%) and influenza viruses (5.5%) were the most prevalent. SARS-CoV-2 positivity was lower in children <5 (4.3%) and 5-17 years (12.7%) than in adults aged 18-50 (19.3%) and >50 years (24.3%), p<0.0001. In contrast, rhinoviruses were most prevalent in children <5 years (28.7%), followed by children aged 5-17 (15.8%), adults aged 18-50 (8.3%) and >50 years (6.3%), p<0.0001. Four SARS-CoV-2 waves occurred, with 36.1%-52.4% SARS-CoV-2 positivity during peak months. Influenza infections were observed in both 2020 and 2021 during the rainy season as expected (peak positivity 16.4%-23.5%). Peaks of rhinovirus were asynchronous to the months when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza peaked. Conclusion: Our data show that many respiratory viruses continued to circulate during the COVID-19 pandemic in The Gambia, including human rhinoviruses, despite the presence of NPIs during the early stages of the pandemic, and influenza peaks during expected months. Copyright: © 2023 Jarju S et al.
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Those training to become teachers in England during the 2019/20 academic year were severely impacted by the first national lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many missing school placements, giving them less time to build experience and confidence before becoming newly qualified teachers (NQTs). Their first year of teaching was also severely impacted by the pandemic. As part of a British Academy-funded project, we collected data from 2020/1 NQTs in England through their first year of teaching. This article focuses on the qualitative data from seven participants, utilising online interviews to understand the challenges and opportunities they faced within the sector during the pandemic. Our findings, while drawing on small-scale data, provide insights into how schools and training providers can support trainees in healthier times, and include the importance of relationships within school, support given by school leaders and the need to acknowledge the challenges of beginning a professional career. These findings may also be useful in future disruptive events for early teacher education. © 2022, Aimee Quickfall, Philip Wood and Emma Clarke.
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Background: In many countries, non-pharmaceutical interventions to limit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission resulted in significant reductions in other respiratory viruses. However, similar data from Africa are limited. We explored the extent to which viruses such as influenza and rhinovirus co-circulated with SARS-CoV-2 in The Gambia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Between April 2020 and March 2022, respiratory viruses were detected using RT-PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs from 1397 participants with influenza-like illness. An assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 and a viral multiplex RT-PCR assay was used as previously described to detect influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-4, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), adenovirus, seasonal coronaviruses (229E, OC43, NL63) and human rhinovirus.
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Introduction: COVID-19 brought about a rapid change in the way diabetic follow up services were run in our local pediatric unit. Appointments were initially made via telephone with the introduction of video clinics a short time later. A survey of caregiver and patient views of virtual clinics in 2020 showed high satisfaction scores with these appointments. Face-to-face (FtF) appointments have restarted but virtual appointments have continued to run alongside. Objective(s): A repeat survey in 2022 aimed to re-assess families' experience of virtual clinics and their views on the use of virtual clinics as part of their long-term follow-up. Method(s): Two surveys were carried out between June to July 2020 and March to April 2022. Caregivers were selected at random from the patient list and contacted by telephone. An oral survey was completed with responses collated on a Microsoft form. Result(s): A 100 responses were collected in both surveys. This covered a range of patient ages and treatment modalities. Satisfaction with virtual appointments remained high with a rating of 4.6 and 4.59 out of 5 respectively for the 2020 and 2022 survey. Virtual appointments requests as part of follow-up increased from 51% to 77%, with video preferred to telephone (65% vs. 12%). Pump and CGM data downloading pre-clinic dropped from 66% to 56%. Conclusion(s): The majority of patients and caregivers found virtual clinic appointments a positive experience and are keen to see them continue even though COVID-19 restrictions have lifted. This will have significant impact and potentially substantial savings in the way follow-up services are designed. Digital poverty (access to devices/ IT knowledge) remains a barrier to some patients accessing virtual appointments. Patient/caregiver preferences and individual circumstances must be taken into account when redesigning follow-up services.
ABSTRACT
Aims The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the education of doctors in training, with disruption to training events and teaching, as well as staff redeployment. During the initial wave of the pandemic, patient numbers in paediatrics were low and there was time for reflection, leadership and management opportunities. However, post lockdown there were significantly more paediatric attendances to A&E, resulting in surges of admissions never previously seen at that time of year, putting a substantial strain on the medical team. In our paediatric department, we found that our established hour-long weekly lunchtime teaching and education programme was no longer sustainable. We therefore developed a new format - a microteaching programme to ensure evidencebased, relevant teaching was maintained at a time of highly stretched resources. Methods In December 2020 the microteaching programme was launched;the concept was five-minute teaching sessions rostered between junior doctors following Thursday morning handover so more of the multidisciplinary team, including nurses and medical students, could attend. The teaching could take any format such as quizzes, powerpoints or games and focussed on common paediatric topics. Feedback was collected after each session. The programme was reinforced with the new intake of junior doctors in August 2021. To obtain feedback on the effectiveness of the new format, an online survey was sent to all grades from foundation doctors and trainee Advanced Nurse Practitioners to consultants, to capture quantitative alongside qualitative data in November 2021. Results There were eleven responses to the survey, with 81.8% having attended the microteaching programme. Those who had not attended were excluded from subsequent quantitative analysis. Reasons for non-attendance were thematically analysed and found to be based on working patterns, such as working less than full time. 88.8% of respondents felt microteaching content was relevant to their training and 100% agreed it was at an appropriate level. 100% felt they had learnt something from microteaching with two-thirds of respondents strongly agreeing with this statement. Barriers to regular teaching included unanticipated staff movement due to urgent clinical need, senior staff being unaware of the scheduled teaching programme or concern about ward pressures and workload. Respondents felt microteaching was a useful concept that ensures teaching takes place, helps keep knowledge up-to-date and prompts further reading. Conclusion Despite the Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacting trainees' teaching, the implementation of the microteaching programme locally, and subsequent survey, have demonstrated a positive way for learning opportunities to continue despite clinical pressures. The survey highlights the need for senior support to ensure the value of teaching is recognised and designated teaching time is kept. It emphasises the need for re-evaluation of the teaching rota to minimise disruption secondary to staff movement. Following feedback, to maximise the impact of each session at the start of the new teaching rota, we will summarise key points via email so trainees unable to attend can still benefit. Overall, the microteaching programme enables key concepts to be presented during morning handover and allows educational opportunities to continue without adversely impacting on clinical duties in the paediatric department.
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Background: COVID-19 caused signifcant disruption to Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) services during the intial 2020 lockdown1. In response, The National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) piloted provision of remote consultations with a physiotherapist specialised in the management of AxSpA to their members in urgent need. This project was funded by the UK National Lottery Fund Objectives: To provide a total of 130 hrs of remote consultation to members of NASS, unable to access specialist care and in need of self-management advice for their condition Methods: Remote consultations were offered to NASS members from Sept 2020 to Feb 2021. The preferred format being 1hr assessment and 2 x 30 min at 1 and 3 weeks from assessment. Participants consented to video consultations via Zoom and the inclusion of anonymised outcomes and comments in the project evaluation. Patient Reported Outcomes (BASDAI and BASFI) were collected immediately prior to assessment, at fnal consultation and in April 2021, between 8-16 weeks from fnal consultContent was individually tailored, centring on self-management (pacing, sleep management), education (AxSpA pathology, medication) and individualised exercise plans. Exercise plans were formulated through 'Rehab My Patient' software, including links to YouTube video references and daily exercise log sheets. Results: 67 members received online consultations, 63 receiving the full 3 sessions. Missed appointment rate = 2.5% Participants represented a wide geographical area across England and a spread in time since diagnosis. Patient Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs) on assessment: Mean BASDAI score (n=55) on assessment = 5.8 Mean BASFI score on assessment (n=56) = 5.5 24 participants returned PROMS at fnal consultation, 10 at longer follow-up (8-16 weeks). Results for complete data set (n=10): Satisfaction: 60 members completed an online feedback survey provided by NASS: 9 Feedback to questions were asked, with a satisfaction scale of 1-5 (ascending positivity) 99.6% of all scores were 3 or above. Example responses: How would you rate the overall experience: 92% = 5, 100% = 3-5 To what extent do you feel more confdent to manage your condition: 40% = 5, 100% = 3-5 How useful was it to be in direct contact with a Physiotherapist: 93% = 5, 100% = 3-5 46 members chose to leave additional, overwhelmingly positive comments, with 2 obvious themes arising: 1)The value of the experience and knowledge of the therapist. 'was great to have the guidance and support of a professional who knows what they are talking about when it comes to AxSpA' 2)The value of education in condition management 'set me back on track', 'very helpful for my mental strength in dealing with this enduring disease', 'I learned so much about my AS and ways to keep mobile' Conclusion: A set of 1-3 sessions per person achieved desirable patient reported outcomes with modest and enduring improvements seen in disease activity and function. This pilot project enabled those living with Axial SpA across England access to a Physiotherapist highly experienced in treatment of their condition. The majority of participants reported having no previous experience of seeing a therapist with specialised knowledge of their condition. The knowledge and experience of the clinician was a key theme in the positive nature of feedback linking to another key theme of improved confdence to manage their condition. These results highlight the value to patients of specialised knowledge amongst health professionals. Remote consultations may provide access to specialist knowledge 'out of area' and may be an efficient method of delivering self-management advice.
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Background/Aims The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) is used in the monitoring of those living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA);it is the recommended and validated measure of movement in this patient group. As a physical outcome measure its use has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this project is to assess the current application of the BASMI in axSpA services across the UK. Methods A survey was devised to explore when the BASMI is used, by whom and the reasons for its use. The AStretch committee reviewed and redrafted the questions. The survey was shared across multiple platforms and email professional distribution lists, and was open 2nd-12th October 2021. Results 74 UK healthcare professionals completed the survey. It is mostly physiotherapists who undertake the BASMI (69%);some other clinicians also measure: nurses (10%), medics (9%), physiotherapy support workers (10%), healthcare support workers (2%). Confidence in performing the BASMI averaged at 3.5/5. The majority of respondents record the BASMI in the electronic record (73%);appbased solutions are developing (7%) and paper-only recording diminishing (20%). When asked about frequency, most respondents (73%) recorded 'it depends', implying that the BASMI is used on an individual patient basis. Table 1 presents data with regards to why the BASMI is undertaken, scored by participant ranking, and free text responses about reasons for use. Conclusion A large sample size was recruited for this survey, implying a good level of interest in better understanding the current application of the BASMI. It is evident clinicians use the BASMI on newly-diagnosed patients as a priority in their assessment and shared-decision making. Other aspects such as addressing poor movement and adherence to exercise are ranked highly. The reported reasons for BASMI use are varied, and its application not standardised across UK rheumatology teams. This might reflect the diverse trajectory of axSpA and the importance of seeing patients as individuals. How and why we undertake physical outcome measures is crucial for consideration as we currently consider remote versus face-to-face consult pathways for our axSpA cohort. There is enough evidence here to recommend ongoing, regular application of the BASMI in a traditional face-to-face setting.
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The sound management of health care waste has been noted to be a major challenge facing developing countries especially Africa. This has resulted in several health threats to already ailing health systems. The situation could have worsened in recent years considering the current challenges the continent is facing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The health sector has been confronted with increased volumes of highly infectious wastes from the body fluids of patients patronising health facilities while the use of personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as nose masks, gloves, aprons and face shields during the pandemic have also increased due to the stringent protective practices recommended by the World Health Organization as well as several national ministries of health. This has resulted in the use of millions of PPEs both by health workers and patients. Studies have found that the coronavirus is capable of surviving on surfaces such as plastics, glass and fabric for up to nine days. The wastes from used PPEs therefore end up as wastes potentially infected with micro-organisms including the coronavirus which may persist in the environment for several days. Improper management of these wastes are therefore likely to pose environmental, occupational and public health threats especially in developing countries where sustainable waste management practices are yet to be achieved. Globally, healthcare workers represent less than 3% of the population but account for 14% of COVID-19 cases reported to WHO. It is a challenge to provide corresponding statistics in developing countries, because to date, few countries are able to provide complete counts of infections and deaths among health care works related to COVID-19. To what extent is inadequate management of health care waste likely to be contributing to morbidity and mortality from COVID 19 and other infections among heath care and waste management workers within and outside the confines of healthcare establishments? With the aid of some country examples, the paper demonstrates weaknesses in the waste management cycle that have the potential to militate against the occupational health and safety of healthcare and waste management workers. Other contributory factors to high morbidity and mortality hinge on weaknesses in IPC and WASH measures among others. The paper concludes that a dedicated health care waste management system facilitated by national and sub-national policies and guidelines, human capacity development and public-private partnerships for resource mobilization and investments to support essential infrastructure are needed for sustainability of the waste management function. Closely linked and integral to these measures is the existence of functional national and institutional infection prevention and control (IPC) and WASH programs. Also important are ensuring protection (through access to training, vaccines, testing and psychosocial support) as well as decent work conditions that include protection against excessive workloads and reasonable wages.
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AI in My Life' project will engage 500 Dublin teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds in a 15-week (20-hour) co-created, interactive workshop series encouraging them to reflect on their experiences in a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), personal data processing and digital transformation. Students will be empowered to evaluate the ethical and privacy implications of AI in their lives, to protect their digital privacy and to activate STEM careers and university awareness. It extends the ĝ€DCU TY' programme for innovative educational opportunities for Transition Year students from underrepresented communities in higher education. Privacy and cybersecurity researchers and public engagement professionals from the SFI Centres ADAPT1 and Lero2 will join experts from the Future of Privacy Forum3 and the INTEGRITY H20204 project to deliver the programme to the DCU Access5 22-school network. DCU Access has a mission of creating equality of access to third-level education for students from groups currently underrepresented in higher education. Each partner brings proven training activities in AI, ethics and privacy. A novel blending of material into a youth-driven narrative will be the subject of initial co-creation workshops and supported by pilot material delivery by undergraduate DCU Student Ambassadors. Train-The-Trainer workshops and a toolkit for teachers will enable delivery. The material will use a blended approach (in person and online) for delivery during COVID-19. It will also enable wider use of the material developed. An external study of programme effectiveness will report on participants': enhanced understanding of AI and its impact, improved data literacy skills in terms of their understanding of data privacy and security, empowerment to protect privacy, growth in confidence in participating in public discourse about STEM, increased propensity to consider STEM subjects at all levels, and greater capacity of teachers to facilitate STEM interventions. This paper introduces the project, presents more details about co-creation workshops that is a particular step in the proposed methodology and reports some preliminary results. © 2021 Owner/Author.
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BACKGROUND: The direct effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on patients with intestinal failure (IF) has not been described. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide study of UK IF centers to evaluate the infection rates, presentations, and outcomes in patients with types 2 and 3 IF. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients with IF contracted COVID-19 between March and August 2020; this included 26 of 2191 (1.2%) home parenteral nutrition (HPN)-dependent adults and 19 of 298 (6.4%) adults hospitalized with type 2 IF. The proportion of patients receiving nursing care for HPN administration was higher in those with community-acquired COVID-19 (66.7%) than the proportion in the entire HPN cohort (26.1%; P < .01). Two HPN-dependent and 1 hospitalized patient with type 2 IF died as a direct consequence of the virus (6.7% of 45 patients with types 2 or 3 infected). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the outcomes of COVID-19 in a large cohort of patients requiring long-term PN. Methods to reduce hospital and community nosocomial spread would likely be beneficial.