ABSTRACT
Introduction: A voluntary medical humanities (MH) module was offered at a Nepalese medical school in 2007. The present study was conducted to study the perspectives of participating faculty and the then students about the module and its perceived influence on their professional life. Methods: The faculty participants were interviewed online from February to May 2021 after obtaining written informed consent and ethical approval. Transcripts generated were shared with the participants. Mainly deductive method of thematic analysis was employed. The areas addressed were what in their opinion were the strengths of the module and the areas which may require improvement, the perceived impact of the module on their professional lives, and their opinion about teaching-learning of MH in Nepal and South Asia. Feedback from the student participants was obtained from December 2020 to February 2021 using an online questionnaire addressing similar areas. Results: Four faculty members and 12 students responded. The informal and relaxed atmosphere during the sessions and the use of role-plays, paintings, and literature excerpts were the strengths. Obtaining informed consent, supporting family caregivers, and modules for other health science students were recommended. The module provided a new perspective on teaching-learning, improved their skills of explaining topics to patients, and developed their team working skills. They wanted MH to be included in the undergraduate medical curriculum in Nepal. Certain role plays and paintings were still remembered. MH is becoming more important during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: The faculty and students continue to have a positive perception of the module. The module was perceived to have influenced different aspects of their professional life. © 2022 Journal of Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences University ;Published by Wolters Kluwer-Medknow.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has taken more than 1 million lives globally. This study, based on the official media releases of the Government of Nepal, analyses the clinical and epidemiological features of the individuals who died as a result of COVID-19 in Nepal from 23 January to 10 August 2020. We found that nearly half of the deaths were among people less than 50 years of age and being female increased the risk of death. The majority of deaths were associated with co-morbidities, the most common being cardiovascular diseases and diabetes followed by respiratory diseases. With the approaching festive season and relaxed lockdown, both government and citizens need to be more cautious about the severity of COVID-19 and take appropriate action.
ABSTRACT
The recent global pandemic of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is increasingly alarming. As of 21 June 2020, there are more than 8.7 million cases worldwide, with 460 000 deaths. Nepal is not an exception to COVID-19 and is currently facing a challenge to prevent the spread of infection. The analysis of the detected cases, severity and outcomes of the cases within a country is important to have a clear picture of where the pandemic is heading and what measures should be taken to curb the infection before it becomes uncontrollable. We collected data regarding all the cases, recoveries and deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Nepal starting from the first case on 23 January to 21 June 2020. At present, COVID-19 has spread all over Nepal, with a rapid increase in the number of new cases and deaths, which is alarming in a low-income country with an inadequate healthcare system like Nepal. Although the government implemented early school closure and lockdown, the management to contain COVID-19 does not appear to be adequate. Understanding the current situation regarding COVID-19 in Nepal is important for providing a direction towards proper management of the disease.