ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 infection is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis including venous thromboembolism (VTE). We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of scans performed to investigate suspected VTE and the positivity rate in a large health trust. Aim(s): Compare number of scans performed to investigate suspected VTE in 2020 and 2021 with the number performed in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We then looked at the rate of positive results to determine if our local experience reflects the global picture. We also calculated the rate of hospital acquired thrombosis during the same time frame to determine if this rate was impacted by the pandemic. Method(s): We searched all radiology systems for number of CT Pulmonary Angiogram (CTPA), ventilation perfusion (V/Q) scan, ultrasound (USS) Doppler (lower and upper limbs) performed and number positive for VTE. We then cross referenced with hospital admission in preceding 90 days to determine number of hospital acquired thrombosis (HAT). Result(s): Despite the onset of COVID-19 pandemic there was a 15% reduction in number of scans performed in 2020 reflecting initial public health campaign and down turn of all routine services. However by 2021 there was a 25% increase in scans compared to pre-pandemic levels. Positivity rate was similar between years (11-14%). As was the proportion of hospital acquired thrombosis (40-43%). Incidence of VTE events rose by 31% -with 30.4% of all PEs diagnosed in 2021 associated with COVID (Table 1). Conclusion(s): Incidence of confirmed VTE has risen markedly compared to pre-pandemic levels reflecting global experience. Our study highlights this rise in potentially avoidable morbidity and significant resource implications for our local healthcare infrastructure. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background: We are currently in a period of transition, from the pre-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) era and the initial reactive lockdowns, to now the ongoing living with and potentially the after COVID-19 period. Each country is at its own individual stage of this transition, but many have gone through a period of feeling adrift;disconnected from normal lives, habits and routines, finding oneself betwixt and between stages, similar to that of liminality. Children and young people have been particularly affected. Aim: To increase the understanding of home and community-based strategies that contribute to children and young people's capacity to adjust to societal changes, both during and after pandemics. Moreover, to identify ways in which children's actions contribute to the capacity of others to adjust to the changes arising from the pandemic. The potential for these activities to influence and contribute to broader social mobilisation will be examined and promoted. Research design: To achieve the aim of this study, a participatory health research approach will be taken. The overarching theoretical framework of the COVISION study is that of liminality. The study design includes four work packages: two syntheses of literature (a rapid realist review and scoping review) to gain an overview of the emerging international context of evidence of psychosocial mitigations and community resilience in pandemics, and more specifically COVID-19;qualitative exploration of children and young people's perspective of COVID-19 via creative outlets and reflections;and participatory learning and action through co-production.