ABSTRACT
PurposeDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, employers struggled to develop virtual onboarding (VO) experiences among new employees. Prior research has examined VO processes. This study, by contrast, compares online commentaries in relation to current research findings to determine a functional description of effective VO.Design/methodology/approachUsing a qualitative, inductive thematic analysis, the researchers explored new employees' online, anonymous, public commentary about the employers' VO experiences. Through analyzing 83 posted communications, the researchers sought to not only categorize themes, but to also identify meaning within the employees' commentary. From the thematic analysis, meaningful themes were established and compared to existing literature to identify comprehensive trends in effective VO.FindingsThe analysis developed nine themes of discussion question (DQ) prompts and nine themes of discussion responses. The professionals' online discussion about VO in the workplace as well as attributes of each theme was compared to contemporary VO research. In combination with a review of established literature of effective VO and an examination of organizational socialization theory, the study confirms that some virtually onboarded employees are excelling with, and some are challenged by the communication deficiencies of the remote experience. Employee experiences are highlighted to develop a description of contemporary effective VO experiences to support future workplace efficiencies.Research limitations/implicationsData were gathered via Blind and each response shared on Blind is subject to the viewpoint of the participants. For future research, face-to-face interviews might offer context regarding new hires' VO experiences. Also the generalizability is impacted because not all participants of VO participate via Blind. Participant bias is possible given the perceived dissatisfaction or negative experiences. Future research can perform a national random study of employees. Finally, the data and participants in this study were USA based. Future research should consider other international contexts such as Europe.Practical implicationsThe thematic findings of this study yield valuable practical recommendations. New hires that experience VO are seeking improved virtual communication channels between themselves and the managers and colleagues of the hires. As such, corporate managers/trainers can implement a virtual mentoring program to have senior employees prepare and guide new hires into employees' new remote working environment to reduce employees' uncertainty. To improve VO processes in a post-pandemic society, corporate managers/trainers can incorporate social media communication given that employees participate in social media to develop their careers. With social media work groups, new virtual hires can be better socialized through effective peer-to-peer informal internal communications where the hires can freely ask questions and build better work relationships.Social implicationsIn each onboarding experience and evident in each of the five themes, learning is an underlying concept. New employees are describing that it is challenging to development organizational shared values, skills, attitudes, knowledge, abilities, behaviors and relationships in a VO process. As organizational leaders continue to develop VO experiences, a focus on learning as dependent on the virtual learning process and content can be significant in terms of creating a positive employee VO learning experience. Originality/valueThe findings are unique in exploring new hires' self-reported VO experiences. This study offers insight into effective VO practices such as developing virtual trainings that are well planned, engaging and supporting of relationships, collaborations and career goals.
ABSTRACT
Background. Whether receipt of COVID-19 vaccine associates with receipt of other routinely-recommended adult vaccines such as, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines is not well described. We evaluated this relationship in a population of adults who were hospitalized for acute respiratory infection (ARI). *Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by influenza vaccination status adjusted for race, employment status, chronic cardiac diseases, cancer, solid organ transplant, and chronic kidney disease. **Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by pneumococcal vaccination status adjusted for race and chronic kidney disease. Methods. We enrolled adults (>= 18 years of age) who were hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with symptoms consistent with ARI. Participants were interviewed and medical records ed to gather demographic information, including social behaviors during the pandemic, medical history, and prior vaccination history (i.e., COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal). Using two separate logistic regression analyses, we determined the association between i) receipt of influenza vaccine in the prior year among adults >= 18 years and ii) receipt of any pneumococcal vaccine in the prior 5 years among adults >= 65 years on the receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine>= 14 days prior to admission. Adjusted models included demographic information (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, employment status), social behaviors, and history of chronic medical conditions. Results. Overall, 1056 participants were enrolled and had vaccination records available. Of whom, 509/1056 (48.2%) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Adults >= 18 years who received influenza vaccine were more likely to have received >=1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (267/373 [71.6%] vs 242/683 [35.4%] P=< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.3 [95%CI: 2.4, 4.4]). Similarly, adults >=65 years who received pneumococcal vaccine were more likely to have received >= 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (195/257 [75.9%] vs 41/84 [48.8%] P=< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.0 [95% CI: 1.8, 5.1]). Conclusion. In this study of adults hospitalized for ARI, receipt of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination strongly correlated with receipt of COVID-19 vaccination. Continued efforts are needed to reach adults who remain hesitant to not only receive COVID-19 vaccines, but also other vaccines that lessen the burden of respiratory illness.
ABSTRACT
Background. During the COVID-19 pandemic, social interventions such as social distancing and mask wearing have been encouraged. Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent hospitalization remain uncertain. Methods. Adult patients were eligible if admitted to Emory University Hospital or Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms (<= 14 days) or an admitting ARI diagnosis from May 2021 - Feb 2022. After enrollment, an in-depth interview identified demographic and social factors (e.g., employment status, smoking history, alcohol use), household characteristics, and pandemic social behaviors. All patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR. We evaluated whether these demographic and social factors were related to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test upon admission to hospital with ARI using a logistic regression model. Results. 1141 subjects were enrolled and had SARS-CoV-2 PCR results available (700 positive and 441 negative). The median age was greater in the SARS-CoV-2 negative cohort than in the positive cohort (60 and 53 years, respectively;P< .0001). Those who tested positive were more likely to have had at least some college education compared to those who tested negative (64.3% vs 52.3%, P< .0001;adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.4 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.0]). Compared to those who tested negative, those who were SARS-CoV-2 positive were also more likely to be employed (48.9% vs 26.5%, P< .0001;aOR: 1.7 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.3]), have children 5-17 yo at home (27.6% vs 17.9%, P=.0002;aOR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.1, 2.1]). Those with COVID-19 were less likely to receive home healthcare (6.2% vs 13.3%, P< .0001;aOR: 0.5 [95%CI: 0.4, 0.9]) and to be a current or previous smoker (7.6% vs 17.7%, P< .0001;aOR: 0.3 [95%CI: 0.2, 0.5]). Conclusion. Among adults admitted to the hospital for ARI, those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were typically younger, more likely to care for school-aged children, more likely to work outside the home, but were less likely to receive home healthcare or smoke. Personal and public health strategies to mitigate COVID-19 should take into consideration modifiable social risk factors.
ABSTRACT
Background. Studies show that past SARS-CoV-2 infection provides a protective immune response against subsequent COVID-19, but the degree of protection from prior infection has not been determined. History of previous SARS-COV-2 Infection and Current SARS-COV-2 Infection Status at Admission. *Adjusted for chronic respiratory disease and prior COVID-19 vaccination Methods. From May 2021 through Feb 2022, adults (>= 18 years of age) hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms, who were PCR tested for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled. A prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained from patient interview and medical record review. Previous infection was defined as a self-reported prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or previous evidence of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test >= 90 days before ARI hospital admission. We performed a test negative design to evaluate the protection provided by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. Effectiveness was determined using logistic regression analysis adjusted for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status. Results. Of 1152 adults hospitalized for ARI, 704/1152 (61%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. 96/1152 (8%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection before hospital admission. Patients with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission for ARI compared to those who did not have evidence of prior infection (31/96 [32%] vs 673/1056 [64%];adjustedOR: 0.25 [0.15, 0.41] (Table). Conclusion. Reinfections represented a small proportion (< 10%) of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provided meaningful protection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. The durability of this infection-induced immunity, variant-specific estimates, and the additive impact of vaccination are needed to further elucidate these findings.
ABSTRACT
The global COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in faculty who taught using video conferencing software, such as Zoom, across different modalities in higher education. Drawing from social comparison theory, this study examines upward and downward social comparison as parallel mediators of the interrelationships between faculty burnout, teaching anxiety, and teaching satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic using a cross-sectional sample of 219 faculty. Findings reveal the mediating effect of upward social comparison on the relationship between faculty’s burnout and teaching anxiety. Additionally, upward social comparison had a mediating effect on faculty’s burnout and teaching satisfaction. Implications for teaching and learning using video conferencing tools are also offered. © 2022, Associação Brasileira de Psicologia.
ABSTRACT
Learning Objectives: The pandemic exposed the mismatch between trainee mental health needs and their access to support services;therefore, the objective of our innovation was to support an opportunity for residents to work with a social worker/coach who could provide coaching on an emergent, urgent, or regular basis. Introduction/Background: EM training requires sleep-wake disruptions, includes potentially traumatizing encounters, all during the COVID-19 pandemic while many residents relocate away from their customary psychosocial supports for training. The shift-based training model limits access to psychosocial care and services, so trainees need just-in-time resources which can support them before mental health concerns develop. Educational Objectives: The objective of our innovation was to support an opportunity for our residents to work with a professional social worker who could provide coaching on an emergent, urgent, or regular basis. Curricular Design: The leadership team identified a clinical social worker and trained coach to provide small group and individual coaching sessions to residents (4-year urban safety-net program with 68 residents) budgeted at an initial cost of $15,000. It was agreed that what was shared in the discussion would not be shared without consent and legal limits to confidentiality were followed. Impact: From October 1, 2020 when implemented to October 1, 2021 there were 49 group and 73 individual sessions. After implementation in 2021, we compared this rotational mean score as ranked by all residents to all other wellness initiatives. Overall response rate was 80.88%. The overall mean score of the initiative was 2.25 (1-lowest and 4-highest) versus 3.73, the mean of all other wellness initiatives. Summary comments from the residents revealed the innovation was useful but shared concern regarding ability to attend sessions and capacity of social worker to relate with them. If other programs are considering implementation of a similar program recruiting someone with ED/graduate medical education experience or making sure they are oriented is key. Application of a social worker coaching program in an EM residency appears to be a feasible novel wellness intervention with potential to improve well-being, but needs framing to benefit trainees.
ABSTRACT
Background and objectives: The COVID-19 epidemic has created an unprecedented challenge in the health system, generating increasing demand. About 5% of diagnosed patients require intensive care admissions, primarily for support with mechanical ventilation for a moderate to severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The reported mortalities can be very high. The two main causes of death in this type of infection are refractory hypoxaemia associated with ARDS and, shock with multiple organ failure. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in patients with refractory hypoxaemia and without response to the management with protective mechanical ventilation, prone ventilation, and muscle relaxation. The World Health Organisation recommends considering ECMO in adult and paediatric patients with COVID-19 and severe refractory ARDS, if an expert team is available. Methods: The formal consensus methodology was used to generate the ECMO Consensus in the SARS-CoV-2 infection with the best available evidence. The development of the consensus combined the techniques of selection, synthesis, evaluation, and grading of the evidence: formulation of the PICO question [P - Patient, Problem or Population. I - Intervention. C - Comparison, control or comparator. O - Outcome(s) (e.g. pain, fatigue, nausea, infections, death)] question, systematic search strategies, synthesis techniques (meta-analysis). The evaluation of the quality of the evidence and the grading of the strength of the recommendations was carried out using the GRADE strategy. Results: The Colombian ECMO consensus for patients with severe respiratory failure associated with COVID-19 provides a summary of the evidence for the use of extracorporeal oxygenation membranes in severe hypoxemic respiratory failure associated with this SARS CoV-2 infection, giving recommendations on its indications, contraindications, considerations, and the implementation of the ECMOred Colombia group. Conclusions: The Colombian ECMO consensus is a consultation and guide document for the management of patients with refractory severe acute respiratory failure and cardiovascular dysfunction associated with COVID-19 candidates for ECMO. © 2020 Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Crítica y Cuidado lntensivo
ABSTRACT
The increase in COVID-19 infections due to the appearance of new variants causes serious health problems in the population. Although the majority of those infected have no symptoms, approximately 19% will require oxygen therapy for respiratory support, either by invasive or non-invasive ventilation. The high costs of this equipment mean that hospitals in developing countries have a limited supply of such equipment. Therefore, this paper presents the redesign, simulation, fabrication, and evaluation of a CPAP device that was developed in Europe but has now been replicated in Latin America. It starts with the analysis of the device's original design and through exploratory techniques and computer simulation the materials, parts, and assembly are determined. Functional tests validate that a prototype similar to the original was obtained that will provide noninvasive positive air pressure that keeps patients' airways open.
ABSTRACT
The increase in COVID-19 infections due to the appearance of new variants causes serious health problems in the population. Although the majority of those infected have no symptoms, approximately 19% will require oxygen therapy for respiratory support, either by invasive or non-invasive ventilation. The high costs of this equipment mean that hospitals in developing countries have a limited supply of such equipment. Therefore, this paper presents the redesign, simulation, fabrication, and evaluation of a CPAP device that was developed in Europe but has now been replicated in Latin America. It starts with the analysis of the device’s original design and through exploratory techniques and computer simulation the materials, parts, and assembly are determined. Functional tests validate that a prototype similar to the original was obtained that will provide noninvasive positive air pressure that keeps patients' airways open. © 2022 IEEE Computer Society. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Indoor cycling has been a trend during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lockdowns and social distancing measures imposed by most countries. Virtual cycling (eCycling) has grown exponentially, and its popularity among amateur and professional cyclists is shown by the fact that they regularly participate in virtual competitions in which people from all over the world interact via streaming. Although eCycling is derived from a traditional sport and adapted to a virtual platform, its future success once real competitions are reinstated has been seriously questioned. This virtual cycling modality has been openly criticized for the potential differences when competing and that it does not represent the true essence of cycling. These questions and the lack of clear guidelines for its competition suggest that eCycling has to go a long way before being considered a sport. This manuscript aims to present some challenges and opportunities regarding how virtual racing could be sustainable over time once the COVID-19 lockdown is over and demonstrate that eCycling was not just filling a short-term void left by real cycling during this pandemic.
ABSTRACT
The use of games in engineering teaching is common practice in classes with lecturers all over the world. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, undergraduate civil engineering education became virtual and remote. In this context, many games traditionally played in person among students have undergone adaptations to the digital environment. The game "Parade of Trades" or "Parade Game" is used worldwide to teach the effects of variability in construction workflows in linear, dependent and sequential production systems. An adapted version of the game to the virtual environment was proposed by ASKM & Associates LLC and Navilean LLC. It was presented at the International Group for Lean Construction Congress (IGLC 2020). This version of the Parade Game was applied in three different high education institutions in Brazil and Chile. The game's effectiveness for teaching the variability concept was tested by administering a questionnaire before and after the game with the Production Planning and Control course's students in Civil Engineering. The main contribution of this study is the evaluation of learning brought by the game. Results show an increase of 20% in the correct answers in the post-game questionnaire, demonstrating that the students captured the game's main concepts. © Prof. Luis F. Alarcón and Assoc. Prof. Vicente González, IGL2021 All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background. The burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-associated hospitalization in adults is incompletely understood. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in multiple public health measures (e.g., social distancing, handwashing, masking) to decrease SARS-CoV-2 transmission, which could impact RSV-associated hospitalizations. We sought to compare RSV-associated hospitalizations from 2 pre- and one mid-COVID-19 winter viral respiratory seasons. Methods. We conducted an IRB-approved prospective surveillance at two Atlanta-area hospitals during the winter respiratory viral seasons from Oct 2018-Apr 2021 for adults ≥ 50 years of age admitted with acute respiratory infections (ARI) and adults of any age with COPD or CHF-related admissions. Adults were eligible if they were residents of an 8 county region surrounding Atlanta, Georgia. Those with symptoms > 14 days were excluded. Standard of care test results were included. Asymptomatic adults ≥ 50 years of age were enrolled as controls in Seasons 1 and 2. Nasopharyngeal swabs from cases and controls were tested for RSV using BioFireR FilmArrayR Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP). We compared the demographic features and outcomes of RSV+ cases and controls. Results. RSV was detected in 71/2,728 (2.6%) hospitalized adults with ARI, CHF, or COPD and 4/466 (0.9%) controls. In Season 1, RSV occurred in 5.9% (35/596 patients), in Season 2 3.6% (35/970 patients), but in only 0.09% (1/1,162 patients) in Season 3 (P < 0.001 for both seasons). RSV detection in Season 3 was similar to RSV detection among controls during Seasons 1 and 2 (P=0.6). Median age of cases and controls was 67 years (Table 1). Of cases with RSV 11% were admitted to the ICU and two required mechanical ventilation. The majority of hospitalized patients were discharged home (95.8%) with a median length of hospitalization of three days (IQR 2-7). Conclusion. Over 3 seasons, RSV was detected in 2.6% of adults admitted to the hospital with ARI, CHF or COPD. The rate of RSV dramatically declined during the 2020-21 winter respiratory viral season, likely due to public health measures implemented in response to COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Background. A significant burden of disease exists for adults infected with influenza (flu) and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. However, data are limited comparing outcomes between hospitalized adults infected with these viruses. Methods. Over the course of 3 consecutive winter respiratory viral seasons, adults ≥ 50 years of age admitted with acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) and adults of any age with COPD or CHF-related admissions were enrolled from 2 Atlanta area hospitals. For the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, participants were approached in the hospital. If the participant enrolled, nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs were collected and tested using BioFire® FilmArray® respiratory panel. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 and limitations involving participant contact, only NP standard of care (SOC) swabs were collected. A comprehensive medical chart review was completed for each subject which encompassed data on their hospitalization, past medical history, and vaccination history. Co-infected patients were excluded from the analyses. Results. Of the eligible participants, 118 were flu positive (three RSV-influenza co-infections were excluded) and 527 were COVID-19 positive. Median age was lower for the flu cohort at 62 (IQR 56-71) than those with COVID-19 (67, IQR 59-77) (p < 0.0001). Length of stay (LOS) was shorter in flu-infected patients (median 3 d, IQR 2-6), but was longer for COVID-19 patients (median 5 d, IQR 3-10). ICU admission occurred in 20% of those with flu, and among those admitted to the ICU mechanical ventilation (MV) occurred in 12.5%. ICU admission and MV was significantly higher for those with COVID-19, with 28% of patients admitted to the ICU and 47% of those requiring MV. Among patients with COVID-19, 8.9% died. This was significantly higher than that of flu (3.4%) (p=0.008). Hospital discharge occurred more frequently to a nursing home or LTCF with COVID-19 (10.3%) than with flu (0%) (p< 0.0001). Table 1. Breakdown of age, hospitalization course, and discharge disposition for participants diagnosed with influenza or COVID-19 during hospitalization. Conclusion. COVID-19 resulted in a longer hospital admission, a greater chance of ICU admission and MV as compared to flu. Additionally, COVID-19 participants had a high rate of discharge to a nursing home/LTCF and a significantly higher risk of death. While the clinical course was not as severe as COVID-19, influenza contributed a significant burden.
ABSTRACT
Background. Acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) are a significant cause of morbidity in adults. Influenza is associated with about 490,600 hospitalizations and 34,200 deaths in the US in the 2018-2019 season. The burden of rhinovirus among adults hospitalized with ARI is less well known. We compared the burden of influenza and rhinovirus from 2 consecutive winter respiratory viral seasons in hospitalized adults and healthy controls pre-COVID-19 and one season mid-COVID-19 to determine the impact of rhinovirus as a pathogen. Methods. From Oct 2018 to Apr 2021, prospective surveillance of adults ≥50 years old admitted with ARI or COPD/CHF exacerbations at any age was conducted at two Atlanta hospitals. Adults were eligible if they lived within an eightcounty region around Atlanta and if their symptom duration was < 14 days. In the seasons from Oct 2018 to Mar 2020, asymptomatic adults ≥50 years old were enrolled as controls. Standard of care test results were included and those enrolled contributed nasopharyngeal swabs that were tested for respiratory pathogens using BioFire® FilmArray® Respiratory Viral Panel (RVP). Results. During the first two seasons, 1566 hospitalized adults were enrolled. Rhinovirus was detected in 7.5% (118) and influenza was detected in 7.7% (121). Rhinovirus was also detected in 2.2% of 466 healthy adult controls while influenza was detected in 0%. During Season 3, the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza declined to 0% of ARI hospitalizations. Rhinovirus also declined (p=0.01) but still accounted for 5.1% of all ARIs screened (Figure 1). Rhinovirus was detected at a greater rate in Season 3 than in asymptomatic controls in the first 2 seasons (p=0.008). In the first two seasons, Influenza was detected in 8.6% (24/276) of those admitted to the ICU. Rhinovirus was detected in 6.1% (17/276) of those admitted to the ICU but declined to 3.1% (8/258) in Season 3. Conclusion. Dramatic declines occurred in influenza in adults hospitalized with ARI, CHF, or COPD in Atlanta during the COVID-19 pandemic and with enhanced public health measures. Although rhinovirus declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, it continued to be identified at a rate higher than in historical controls. Additional data are needed to understand the role of rhinovirus in adult ARI, CHF, and COPD exacerbations.
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 crisis has generated considerable research efforts in all areas of knowledge, including the area of business and management. This article aimed to describe the body of knowledge generated on COVID-19 regarding business and management to generate the basis for future research. The present study identified 1,751 relevant articles in the Scopus database. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia stood out in terms scientific production, whereas the National Natural Science Foundation of China dominated in funding studies. The analysis of the co-occurrence of keywords in the articles allowed the identification of four thematic clusters that correspond to the priorities given by the research: 1) the crisis and use of technology to overcome it;2) leadership and risk management;3) impact on the hospitality, tourism, and air transport sectors;and 4) social impact and corporate social responsibility. This article ends by discussing these results and their implications. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.