Completeness and quality of information about death from COVID-19 in a Brazilian state: A descriptive population-based register study.

Health information is particularly essential in times of pandemics in which rapid response is crucial for political and stakeholder decision-making processes, and therefore the availability of data as well as its quality analysis are necessary. This study aimed to describe the completeness and quality of the e-Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) Health Surveillance database (SUS Vigilância em Saúde) of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, from the notification of deaths from corana virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from January 2020 to June 2021. A descriptive population-based register study was conducted from the analysis of the completeness of secondary data from the record of deaths from COVID-19, retrieved from the e-SUS Vigilância em Saúde (Health Surveillance) (VS) database of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, from January 2020 to June 2021. A total of 11,359 death records from COVID-19 via e-SUS VS in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, were evaluated. The score used to assess incompleteness was the 1 proposed by Romero and Cunha which classifies as excellent (when < 5%), good (between 5% and 10%), regular (between 10% and 20%), poor (between 20% and 50%), and very poor (when > 50%), according to the percentage of the absence of information. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted in the Stata program, version 15.1. "Case identification" variables, and "condition" variables were classified as excellent completeness. Among the evolution variables, only "hospitalization" was classified as regular. Among the laboratory variables, only the polymerase chain reaction presented excellent completeness, while the "rapid test" and "serologies for immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M" variables were classified as good completeness. It is concluded that most of the variables available in e-SUS VS of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, of notification of deaths from COVID-19 in 2020 presented excellent completeness, confirming the excellent quality of the state database.

COVID-19 Mortality in Public Hospitals in a Brazilian State: An Analysis of the Three Waves of the Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze COVID-19 deaths in public hospitals in a Brazilian state, stratified by the three waves of the pandemic, and to test their association with socio-clinical variables. METHODS: Observational analytical study, where 5436 deaths by COVID-19 occurred in hospitals of the public network of Espírito Santo, between 1 April 2020, and 31 August 2021, stratified by the three waves of the pandemic, were analyzed. For the bivariate analyses, the Pearson's chi-square, Fisher's Exact or Friedman's tests were performed depending on the Gaussian or non-Gaussian distribution of the data. For the relationship between time from diagnosis to death in each wave, quantile regression was used, and multinomial regression for multiple analyses. RESULTS: The mean time between diagnosis and death was 18.5 days in the first wave, 20.5 days in the second wave, and 21.4 days in the third wave. In the first wave, deaths in public hospitals were associated with the following variables: immunodeficiency, obesity, neoplasia, and origin. In the second wave, deaths were associated with education, O2 saturation < 95%, chronic neurological disease, and origin. In the third wave, deaths were associated with race/color, education, difficulty breathing, nasal or conjunctival congestion, irritability or confusion, adynamia or weakness, chronic cardiovascular disease, neoplasms, and diabetes mellitus. Origin was associated with the outcome in the three waves of the pandemic, in the same way that education was in the second and third waves (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The time interval between diagnosis and death can be impacted by several factors, such as: plasticity of the health system, improved clinical management of patients, and the start of vaccination at the end of January 2021, which covered the age group with the higher incidence of deaths. The deaths occurring in public hospitals were associated with socio-clinical characteristics.

Telehealth in outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions needs to be continuous and programmed, encompassing comprehensive care, with periodically scheduled consultations, exams, and procedures, to promote quality of life and reduce mortality. In the context of the new coronavirus pandemic, however, outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions, in person, was hampered in favor of social isolation, a necessary sanitary measure to reduce and prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019. In response to this need, studies suggest telehealth in pediatrics as a fertile and expanding field especially in times of pandemics. Here, we aimed to map the evidence related to telehealth in outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, to identify which strategies were implemented and their impacts on the continuity of care. METHODS: A scoping review protocol is reported and guided by the Scoping Reviews Manual of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search for evidence will cover the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Libary; Embase; Web of Science; Scopus; Cinahl and PsycINFO, plus additional sources, such as The British Library, Google Scholar, and Preprints [medRXiv]. No date or language restrictions will be employed in this scoping review. Two independent researchers will conduct the search strategy, study selection, data charting, and data synthesis. RESULTS: The findings will be presented through tables, charts, narrative summaries, and assessed based on the type of data charted as well as outcomes. Additionally, the meaning of these findings will be considered as they relate to the guiding question, the characterization and measurement of the impact of different telehealth modalities used in outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implications for practice and further research. DISCUSSION: To the best of our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to look specifically at the telehealth modalities to be used in outpatient care for children and adolescents with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect that our results will be of interest to practitioners as well as researchers concerned with this particular emerging issue in the pandemic context. Also, the plans for the dissemination of this study comprise peer-reviewed publication and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework Registration: osf.io/5pqgu.

School reopening and risks accelerating the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: One of the most recent concerns of this pandemic regards the role of schools reopening in disease transmission, as well as the impact of keeping schools closed. While school reopening seems critical for the education and mental health of children, adolescents, and adults, so far the literature has not systematically reached a consensus whether to recommend the return to schools in a way that would be safe for students and staff. OBJECTIVE: To synthesize and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on the potential risk of accelerating the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among children, adolescents, young adults, and adults with school reopening. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was elaborated following the PRISMA-P. We will include all observational study designs, which report on the potential risk of accelerating the COVID-2019 pandemic with school reopening. Electronic databases included were MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS and CNKI. Additional sources will be also retrieved, including Clinical trials.gov-NIH, The British Library, Pro Quest Dissertations Database, Public Health Gray Literature Sources and Health Evidence, Google Scholar, and pre-prints [medRXiv]. No restriction to language or date will be used as search strategy. In an independently manner, two investigators will select studies, perform data extraction, as well as perform a critical appraisal of the risk of bias and overall quality of the selected observational studies, based on their designs. The heterogeneity among the studies will be assessed using the I2 statistic test. According to the results of this test, we will verify whether a meta-analysis is feasible. If feasibility is confirmed, a random-effect model analysis will be carried out. For data analysis, the calculation of the pooled effect estimates will consider a 95% CI and alpha will be set in 0.05 using the R statistical software, v.4.0.4. In addition, we will rate the certainty of evidence based on Cochrane methods and in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). EXPECTED RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis will provide better insights into safety in the return to school in the context of the COVID-2019 pandemic, at a time when vaccination advances unevenly in several countries around the world. Hence, consistent data and robust evidence will be provided to help decision-makers and stakeholders in the current pandemic scenario. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021265283; https://clinicaltrials.gov.

Vigilância em Saúde na pandemia de COVID-19 e os desafios do SUS na atualidade

Objective: to describe and discussing the challenges of SUS in the current scenario and also the role of Health Surveillance in the context of the new coronavirus pandemic. Method: Theoretical essay anchored in national and international scientific literature, plus authors' critical analysis. Based on the theoretical construction on reflective thinking, the following were discussed, the Health Surveillance in the context of the epidemic of the new coronavirus;and the challenges of SUS in contemporary times. Results: The biggest challenge nowadays remains political and resisting the attacks and risks of dismantling the SUS due to fiscal adjustment policies. Other challenges including, the economic and financial interests linked to healthcare companies;political proposal for Universal Health Coverage;divestment;insufficient public infrastructure;reproduction of the hegemonic medical model. Conclusion: It is expected that the COVID-19 pandemic will arouse reflections in the population regarding repoliticization of society in defense of SUS as a UHS. Objetivo: describir y discutir los desafíos del SUS en el escenario actual y el rol de la Vigilancia en Salud en el contexto de la pandemia de coronavirus. Método: Ensayo teórico anclado en la literatura científica nacional e internacional, más análisis crítico de los autores. A partir de la construcción teórica sobre el pensamiento reflexivo, se discutió, la Vigilancia de la Salud en el contexto de la epidemia del COVID-19;y los desafíos del SUS en la actualidad. Resultados: El mayor desafío en la actualidad sigue siendo político y resistir los ataques y riesgos de desmantelar el SUS por las políticas de ajuste fiscal. Otros desafíos incluyen, los intereses económicos y financieros vinculados a las empresas de salud;propuesta política de Cobertura Universal de Salud;despojo;infraestructura pública insuficiente;reproducción del modelo médico hegemónico. Conclusión: Se espera que la pandemia COVID-19 suscite reflexiones en la población sobre la repolitización de la sociedad en defensa del SUS como Sistema de Salud Universal. Objetivo: descrever e discutir sobre os desafios do SUS na atualidade e a atuação da Vigilância em Saúde no contexto da pandemia do novo coronavírus. Método: Ensaio teórico ancorado na literatura científica nacional e internacional, acrescida da análise crítica dos autores. Com base na construção teórica sobre o pensar reflexivo, foram abordados, a Vigilância em Saúde no contexto da epidemia do novo coronavírus;e os desafios do SUS na contemporaneidade. Resultados: O maior desafio na atualidade continua sendo político, e resistir aos ataques e riscos de desmantelamento do SUS pelas políticas de ajuste fiscal. Outros desafios incluem, os interesses econômicos e financeiros ligados às empresas de saúde;proposta político-ideológica da Cobertura Universal em Saúde;desfinanciamento;insuficiência da infraestrutura pública;reprodução do modelo médico hegemônico. Conclusão: Espera- se que a pandemia de COVID-19 desperte reflexões na população em relação à repolitização da sociedade em defesa do SUS enquanto Sistema Universal de Saúde.

Frontline Nursing Care: The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Brazilian Health System.

Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are constant challenges for global public health. After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been the focus of attention for scientists, governments and populations worldwide. In Brazil, the first case of COVID-19 was identified on February 26 2020, being the first country in Latin America to have affected patients. Almost four months later, more than one million confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been identified in the country, and the virus has spread across all 27 states and is responsible for at least 48,954 deaths until June 19, 2020. In addition, a global outbreak requires the active participation of the nursing workforce in clinical care, education, and sharing of accurate information of public health and policies. This year is particularly important for Nursing, as 2020 is the international year for Nursing and Midwifery Professionals. Nursing professionals corresponds to more than half of the health workforce in the country, being crucial in implementing public health policies and programs. Nurses and frontline health care workers have a critical role in the COVID-19 prevention and response, not only by providing direct assistance to patients and communities, but also in the implementation of health promotion and prevention strategies. Hence, we provide a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of how the nursing profession is engaged with the COVID-19 response in Brazil.

Effectiveness of mass testing for control of COVID-19: a systematic review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Since March 2020, when the COVID-19 outbreak has been deemed a pandemic by the WHO, the SARS-CoV-2 spreading has been the focus of attention of scientists, authorities, public health agencies and communities around the world. One of the great concerns and challenges, mainly in low-income and middle-income countries, is the identification and monitoring of COVID-19 cases. The large-scale availability of testing is a fundamental aspect of COVID-19 control, but it is currently the biggest challenge faced by many countries around the world. We aimed to synthesise and critically evaluate the scientific evidence on the influence of the testing capacity for symptomatic individuals in the control of COVID-19. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic review will be conducted in eight databases, such as Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, ISI-of-Knowledge, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, SCOPUS, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, PsycINFO and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, from inception to 30 July 2020. No restriction regarding the language, publication date or setting will be employed. Primary outcomes will include the sensitivity as well as the specificity of the tests for COVID-19. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Methodological assessment of the studies will be evaluated by the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomised controlled trials, the MINORS for non-randomised studies and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort or case-control studies. Findings will be structured according to the test type and target population characteristics and focused on the primary outcomes (sensitivity and specificity). Moreover, if sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be performed. Pooled standardised mean differences and 95% CIs will be calculated. Heterogeneity between the studies will be determined by I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses will also be conducted. Publication bias will be assessed with funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity will be explored by random effects analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval is not required. The results will be disseminated widely via peer-reviewed publication and presentations at conferences related to this field. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020182724.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of young people and adults: a systematic review protocol of observational studies.

INTRODUCTION: Since the WHO declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, the spread of the new coronavirus has been the focus of attention of scientists, governments and populations. One of the main concerns is the impact of this pandemic on health outcomes, mainly on mental health. Even though there are a few empirical studies on COVID-19 and mental health, so far, there is no systematic review about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health of young people and adults yet. We aim to critically synthesise the scientific evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of young people and adults. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A systematic review will be performed through eight databases: MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), ISI-of-Knowledge, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), SCOPUS, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature), PsycINFO (Psychology Information) and CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), from inception until 30 June 2020. No restriction regarding the publication date, setting or languages will be considered. Preliminary search strategies were carried out on 29 March 2020 and will be updated in June 2020. The primary outcomes will be the prevalence and the severity of psychological symptoms in young people and adults (>18 years old) resulting from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Pooled standardised mean differences and 95% CIs will be calculated. The risk of bias of the observational studies will be assessed through the Methodological Index for Non-Randomised Studies (MINORS). Additionally, if sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Heterogeneity between the studies will be determined by the I2 statistics. Subgroup analyses will also be performed. Publication bias will be checked with funnel plots and Egger's test. Heterogeneity will be explored by random-effects analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical assessment was not required. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and will be presented at conferences related to this field. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020177366.

Analysis of vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vitória, Brazil

Introdução: com a conjuntura atual do sarampo no Brasil, além da queda acentuada da cobertura vacinal em âmbito nacional, faz-se necessário pensar sobre as formas de intervir frente a tantos desafios, compreendendo que a ampliação da cobertura vacinal é a forma mais efetiva e segura para o controle de doenças infectocontagiosas. Objetivo: analisar a cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais durante a pandemia de COVID-19 em Vitória/ES. Método: relato de experiência descritivo, sobre a implementação de um plano de intervenção de ampliação de cobertura vacinal de duas Campanhas Nacionais de Vacinação em 2020 em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) durante a Disciplina de Estágio Curricular I (EC-I). O plano de intervenção foi alicerçado no Planejamento Estratégico Situacional. Análises estatísticas descritivas e bivariadas foram realizadas. Resultados: houve um aumento de 5,79 vezes da cobertura vacinal da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020, passando de 0,86% (em março de 2020) para 4,98% no final de outubro de 2020 (p=0,438). Ao comparar a cobertura da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020 dos imunobiológicos administrados antes e após o plano de intervenção, observamos que houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante (p=0,0049). Conclusão: verificou-se um aumento nas coberturas vacinais da Campanha Nacional de Vacinação contra o Sarampo 2020 e da Campanha Nacional Multivacinação 2020. O plano de intervenção proposto e implementado surtiu efeito positivo na USF, pois, foi ampliado a cobertura vacinal das duas Campanhas, mesmo com todos os desafios da pandemia.Alternate abstract: Backgroung: given the current situation of measles in Brazil, in addition to the sharp drop in immunization coverage nationwide, it is necessary to think about ways to intervene in face of so many challenges. Objective: to evaluate vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil. Methods: a longitudinal study was carried out from March to October 2020 in the city of Vitória, ES, Brazil. The intervention plan was based on the Situational Strategic Planning. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were performed. Results: there was a 5.79-fold increase in the vaccination coverage of the 2020 National Measles Vaccination Campaign, from 0.86% (in March 2020) to 4.98% at the end of October 2020 (p=0.438 ). When comparing the coverage of the 2020 National Multivaccination Campaign of immunobiologicals administered before and after the intervention plan, we observed that there was a statistically significant difference (p=0.0049). Conclusion: there was an increase in the vaccination coverage of the 2020 National Measles Vaccination Campaign and the 2020 National Multivaccination Campaign.