ABSTRACT
With an increase in teledermatology, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leaders at Penn Medicine recognized a need to improve the value of videoconference-based visits by developing an innovative process to simplify the method by which patients can share photos in advance of the visit while automating instructions and reminders for patients to reduce the burden on staff. The process enables patients to submit photos via cell phone text attachments rather than using the traditional patient portal, if they prefer. Initial results show improvements in patient compliance and engagement, photo quality, and teledermatology encounters. Copyright © 2022 Massachusetts Medical Society.
ABSTRACT
Background During COVID-19, social distancing was prevalent to curb disease transmission, particularly for vulnerable older adults. However, this isolation leads to low mood, functional decline and frailty. Hence, such preventative measures have brought to the fore the heavy implications of social isolation, the lack of social contact and interaction. Associated but separate is loneliness, the feeling of being alone or separated from others. While it is evident that either or both impact health negatively, attributable risk factors and relationship with geriatric syndromes such as frailty and sarcopenia are still unclear. Understanding these aspects would be important in developing healthcare policies to reduce social isolation and loneliness in our older adults. Hence, we aim to investigate the differential determinants of social isolation and loneliness in community dwelling older adults. Methods We surveyed 299 community dwelling older adults ≥60years. Parameters documented include demographics, 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale, UCLA loneliness scale, EQ5D, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, functional screening with Barthel index, Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, FRAIL scale and SARC-F. Linear regression analysis was performed. Results 234(78.26%) were female, mostly of Chinese ethnicity(90.30%), mean age 74.31±7.81years. 62(20.74%) were living alone. 220(73.58%) had primary school education or less. Mean number of chronic diseases 1.57±0.07 and 81(27.09%) classified as frail, ie FRAIL score 3 and above. Social isolation was significantly correlated with perceived health status (β=0.08;95%CI 0.04 to 0.13;p<0.01), self-care (β= -2.18;95%CI -4.19 to -0.17;p=0.03), sarcopenia (β= -0.57;95%CI -1.12 to -0.02;p=0.04) and cognition (β=0.26;95% CI 0.12 to 0.39;p<0.01). Loneliness was significantly correlated with pain (β= -0.23;95%CI -0.45 to -0.01;p=0.04). Conclusion Social isolation was linked to lower perceived health and cognition, but better physical function as seen from lower levels of sarcopenia and issues with self-care. This finding highlights that isolated older adults may not only be limited by physical disabilities. Mood and cognition have to be considered. Loneliness on the other hand was linked to pain, emphasising that this common symptom has far-reaching implications. Our study is important in identifying key risk factors to be investigated. More work is needed to delineate mechanisms.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some significant changes in tertiary education in Aotearoa New Zealand. This situation report identifies the current situation and the issues and challenges for social work degree students at the Eastern Institute of Technology’s campuses in Hawke’s Bay and Tairäwhiti. The report highlights the resilience of tauira in these challenging times. It also proposes a way forward for future learning that supports tikanga and the diverse needs and realities of tauira. © 2021, Nga Pae o te Maramatanga. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The authors apologize for a typing error that occurred in the September 2020 article that changes the meaning of a sentence. Correction: Page 921, right column, 2nd paragraph, line 8, change «match» to «watch» so it reads, «Primary care providers should watch for frailty development due to physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic (47).» In addition, the author listed as “C. Won Won” wishes to be known as “C.W. Won.” © 2020, The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
ABSTRACT
Consensus on Science and Treatment recommendations aim to balance the benefits of early resuscitation with the potential for harm to care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chest compressions and cardiopulmonary resuscitation have the potential to generate aerosols. During the current COVID-19 pandemic lay rescuers should consider compressions and public-access defibrillation. Lay rescuers who are willing, trained and able to do so, should consider providing rescue breaths to infants and children in addition to chest compressions. Healthcare professionals should use personal protective equipment for aerosol generating procedures during resuscitation and may consider defibrillation before donning personal protective equipment for aerosol generating procedures.