Improving Healthcare Facilities in Remote Areas Using Cutting-Edge Technologies

Healthcare is a critical field of research and equally important for all nations. Providing secure healthcare facilities to citizens is the primary concern of each nation. However, people living in remote areas do not get timely and sufficient healthcare facilities, even in developed countries. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many fatalities occurred due to the inaccessibility of healthcare facilities on time. Therefore, there is a need to propose a solution that may help citizens living in remote areas with proper and secure healthcare facilities without moving to other places. The revolution in ICT technologies, especially IoT, 5G, and cloud computing, has made access to healthcare facilities easy and approachable. There is a need to benefit from these technologies so that everyone can get secure healthcare facilities from anywhere. This research proposes a framework that will ensure 24/7 accessibility of healthcare facilities by anyone from anywhere, especially in rural areas with fewer healthcare facilities. In the proposed approach, the patients will receive doorstep treatment from the remote doctor in rural areas or the nearby local clinic. Healthcare resources (doctor, treatment, patient counseling, diagnosis, etc.) will be shared remotely with people far from these facilities. The proposed approach is tested using mathematical modeling and a case study, and the findings confirm that the proposed approach helps improve healthcare facilities for remote patients.

Achieving Zero Stunting: A Sustainable Development Goal Interlinkage Approach at District Level

The sustainable development goals (SDGs) provide an integrated framework of targets and indicators, including the elimination of stunting, to support better development planning. Indonesia faces a significant challenge as it ranks fourth globally in terms of stunting prevalence, exacerbated by disparities across regions, gender, and socioeconomic status, further compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Given the interlinked nature of SDGs, this study provides empirical support for the prioritization of SDG indicators, primarily in the context of stunting elimination at the district level in Indonesia. This study employed a combination of economic complexity and network theory, utilizing data from a comprehensive set of 54 indicators spanning 28 targets within 13 SDG goals in 514 districts. The analysis is based on network metrics, including revealed comparative advantage (RCA), proximity, centrality, and density to establish the SDG interlinkage network and identify key priority indicators. The findings highlight the importance of prioritizing indicators such as civil registration, health facilities and services, access to basic facilities and housing, and access to ICT in efforts to reduce stunting, particularly among disadvantaged households. Given the unique resources and capacities of each region, our analysis offers district-specific prioritization strategies for stunting elimination.

Scheduling Model for a Trigeneration System With Energy Storage Unit: A Hospital Application

Over the last three COVID-19 effective years, it was evident that healthcare has been the most sensitive sector to electricity failures. Therefore, if well developed and implemented, a microgrid system with an integrated energy storage system (ESS) installed in hospitals has great potential to provide an uninterrupted and low-energy cost solution. In this article, we target to show the importance of the installed ESS against the problems that will arise from power outages and energy quality problems in hospitals. Besides, it aims to construct an energy management system (EMS) based on the scheduling model to meet the lowest cost of a system containing solar panels, microturbine, gas boiler, and energy storage units that are repurposed lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles and thermal storage tank. EMS is a mixed-integer linear program to meet the hospital's electricity, heating, and cooling demands with the lowest cost for every hour. The established scheduling model is run for a hospital in Antioch, Turkiye, with 197 beds, 4 operating rooms, 2 resuscitation units, and 9 intensive care units for every hour based on the data in 2019. With the EMS, approximately 25% savings were achieved compared to the previous energy cost. Furthermore, as the result of the net present value calculation, the payback period of the proposed system is estimated to be approximately seven years.

Discussion of digital transition impact on the facility management sector applied to healthcare buildings

Since 2020, the rapid global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has generated unprecedented impacts on the management of hospital buildings, namely: (i) providing space for patients, medical staff, and equipment storage, (ii) imposition of limitations on access by the teams responsible for managing the building, (iii) adapting the space and its functionality quickly, (iv) ensuring continuous control of air quality and adequate ventilation of spaces, (v) development of digital tools for management, and (vi) assets monitoring in real-time. In addition, hospital buildings facilities' deterioration rate is typically higher than in other buildings, enhanced by the fact that these facilities are open 24 hours a day, year-round. Thus, facilities management (FM) assumes a vital role in the future of healthcare facilities. FM is expected to grow at a 5% annual rate for 2021-2028, representing an acceleration of the industry at a global level. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 may positively impact the FM processes. As a new industrial revolution, providing a set of new approaches and tools will increase the efficiency of operations, significantly impacting the potential of optimization. These trends can improve planning and management of scope, costs, environment, and safety in the value chain of projects and assets, thus creating a more resilient and sustainable industry. Based on a literature review, this paper contributes to the discussion of the questions: How can the digital transition improve the management of the operation and maintenance of infrastructure in healthcare facilities? What is the legacy for FM teams in this post-COVID-19 management of hospital buildings?

Knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices towards COVID-19 early in the outbreak among Jimma university medical center visitors, Southwest Ethiopia

Background Novel-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is currently a pandemic and public health emergency of international concern, as avowed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ethiopia has become one of the affected countries as of March 15, 2020. Objective This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and practices among the Jimma University medical center (JUMC) visitors in Jimma town. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 247 sampled visitors, from 20–24 March 2020. Consecutive sampling was used to recruit the participants. The study tools were adapted from WHO resources. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of knowledge, perception, and practices. Logistic regression was executed to assess the predictors of dominant preventive practices. Results Of the 247 respondents, 205 (83.0%) knew the main clinical symptoms of COVID-19. 72.0% knew that older people who have chronic illnesses are at high risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19. About 95.1% knew that the COVID-19 virus spreads via respiratory droplets of infected people, while 77 (31.2%) of the respondents knew about the possibility of asymptomatic transmission. Only 15 (6.1%) knew that children and young adults had to involve preventive measures. Overall, 41.3% of the visitors had high knowledge. The majority, 170(68.8%), felt self-efficacious to controlling COVID-19. 207(83.3%) believed that COVID-19 is a stigmatized disease. Frequent hand washing (77.3%) and avoidance of shaking hands (53.8%) were the dominant practices. Knowledge status and self-efficacy (positively), older age, and unemployment (negatively) predicted hand washing and avoidance of handshaking. Conclusions The status of knowledge and desirable practices were not sufficient enough to combat this rapidly spreading virus. COVID-19 risk communication and public education efforts should focus on building an appropriate level of knowledge while enhancing the adoption of recommended self-care practices with special emphasis on high-risk audience segments.

A study on the influence of community spiritual comfort service on the mental health of older people.

Background: China is experiencing rapid population aging, with the proportion of older adult people aged 60 and above reaching 19. 8% of the total population in 2022. With the growth of age, the physical function of older adults declines and their mental health is getting worse, with the increasing trend of empty nesting and childlessness, older adults lack information and social interaction with others and fall into social isolation, loneliness and some mental health problems, the proportion of older adults with mental health problems gradually rises and the mortality rate increases incrementally, requiring effective ways to intervene in the mental health of older adults and promote healthy aging. Aim of the study: The present study investigated the influence of spiritual comfort older adult services on the mental health of 12,624 older adults aged 60 years or older in 23 provinces in China from 2017 to 2018, with the aim of providing a case for the development of more targeted mental health strategies for older people. Methods: Using the data from the 2018 CLHLS Survey, the influencing factors of the mental health of older people were analyzed using chi-square test and the logit regression model. The mechanism of the health care facilities and the spiritual comfort services on mental health was analyzed using the chain mediation effect. Results: The spiritual comfort services decreased the risk of negative emotion and mental health of older adults, with female (OR = 1.168), rural residents (OR = 1.385), no drinking (OR = 1.255), not exercising (OR = 1.543), not having pension insurance (OR = 1.233), and low annual household income (OR = 1.416) being the characteristics as risk factors. The mediating effect results showed that the health care facilities had a partial mediating effect between the spiritual comfort services and the mental health status of older people, and the mediating effect accounted for 40.16% of the total effect. Conclusions: The use of spiritual comfort services can effectively reduce and alleviate the adverse mental health symptoms of older people, promote guidance and health education for healthy older people and chronically ill patients, and improve the good health perception of older people in order to improve their quality of life and mental health status.

Location Scheme of Routine Nucleic Acid Testing Sites Based on Location-Allocation Models: A Case Study of Shenzhen City

Since late 2019, the explosive outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global threat, necessitating a worldwide overhaul of public health systems. One critical strategy to prevent virus transmission and safeguard public health, involves deploying Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) sites. Nevertheless, determining the optimal locations for public NAT sites presents a significant challenge, due to the varying number of sites required in different regions, and the substantial influences of population, the population heterogeneity, and daily dynamics, on the effectiveness of fixed location schemes. To address this issue, this study proposes a data-driven framework based on classical location-allocation models and bi-objective optimization models. The framework optimizes the number and location of NAT sites, while balancing various cost constraints and adapting to population dynamics during different periods of the day. The bi-objective optimization process utilizes the Knee point identification (KPI) algorithm, which is computationally efficient and does not require prior knowledge. A case study conducted in Shenzhen, China, demonstrates that the proposed framework provides a broader service coverage area and better accommodates residents' demands during different periods, compared to the actual layout of NAT sites in the city. The study's findings can facilitate the rapid planning of primary healthcare facilities, and promote the development of sustainable healthy cities.

Lessons Learnt From Health Care Providers In The Crisis Management Situation -Covid-19

Crisis management is the highest talent which an individual demonstrates especially in the situation of pandemic COVID-19. Human resource managers globally have struggled to change their strategies to manage their employees in different fields of work with the outburst of the pandemic. It is interesting to understand how healthcare providers (HCPs) who are in the front, managing the resources to the optimum and helping the people affected by the deadly virus - Corona. The authors were interested to conduct qualitative study to understand how the Health Care Providersin the government hospitals (GHs) are executing and optimizing their existing Human Resources. Onlinein-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Health care providers. The State, Tamil Nadu has 1421 Primary Health Cares, 21 State run Hospitals, and 16 Medical Colleges which were designated for treating the patients. Snow ball technique was used to access the HCPs working in the government hospitals. The study has documented the experiences of the HCPs using different strategies to manage their human resources in the crisis situation. The medical emergency and lock down of the country came suddenly with the virus spreading in India. Panic and threat were the reactions of the people. Human resource management in all the sectors had alternative strategies to ensure personal safety and continue the work.However,the HCPs who were in the front to combat the pandemic had to face the crisis situation very efficiently.Some of the main challenges which they faced werethat they did not have admission guidelines, treatment protocol, hospital space not prepared for the COVID patients, fear gribbed supportive staff, fear of personal safety etc. They had to motivate their team, ensure safety of the medical team, reduce fear and anxiety, address the team's emotions,and generate timely data and network with other stake holders for follow-up. The HCPs had good psychological well-being and they were able to manage the challenges posed by the health crisis and ensured competent functioning of the government facilities. The authors conclude that HCPs in the front to combat the epidemic as heroes of crisis management.Copyright © 2020 Ubiquity Press. All rights reserved.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Perceived Threat and Healthism on Vaccine Hesitancy

The ideology of healthism and low perceptions of the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases may explain the positive link between socioeconomic status (SES) and vaccine hesitancy in high-income countries. The present study aimed to examine the effect of three measures of SES (education, income and family economic status), the perceived threat of infectious diseases and two dimensions of healthism (personal responsibility for own health and distrust in healthcare institutions) on vaccine hesitancy, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional quantitative study was performed in 2019. Non-probability sampling was employed by sending invitations to respondents over the age of 18 to participate in the study. The snowball technique was used, employing e-mails and digital social networks (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Data from 661 respondents were collected via 1 ka.si, an online survey tool. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that vaccine hesitancy was significantly more likely to be expressed by women (β = 0.09;p < 0.001), high-income respondents (β = 0.09;p < 0.01), those who have lower perceptions of the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases (β = 0.39;p < 0.001) and those scoring high on two healthism measures (expressing high perceived control of their own health (β = 0.18;p < 0.001) and high distrust in the Slovenian healthcare system and institutions (β = 0.37;p < 0.001)). The findings indicate that among the examined predictors, low perceived threat of vaccine-preventable diseases and low trust in the healthcare system are among the strongest predictors of vaccine hesitancy among the Slovenian public. Policymakers, physicians and other healthcare workers should be especially attentive to the public's and patients' perceptions of the risk of infectious diseases and distrust in medical institutions, including during doctor–patient communication and through public health campaigns and policies.

SAFER framework for moving forward on the medical device right to repair

Across various industries, the right to repair (RTR) movement has gained momentum as more than 20 states have proposed RTR laws to expand access to repair of consumer products. Medical device equipment shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that stronger repair mechanisms are necessary for the US health system to become more efficient, affordable and sustainable. We propose a 5-point SAFER framework including safety and security, adaptability, fiscal, environmental and regulatory factors for consideration in implementing medical device RTR. The healthcare community can help advance RTR legislation in a manner that serves our patients and healthcare system best.Copyright © 2023 BMJ Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Managing Building Water Disruptions in a Post-COVID World: Water Quality and Safety Risk Assessment Tool for Academic Institutions and School Settings

Fluctuating building occupancy during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to poor water quality and safety conditions in building water distribution systems (BWDSs). Natural disasters, man-made events, or academic institutional calendars (i.e., semesters or holiday breaks) can disrupt building occupant water usage, which typically increases water age within a BWDS. High water age, in turn, is known to propagate poor water quality and safety conditions, which potentially exposes building occupants to waterborne pathogens (e.g., Legionella) associated with respiratory disease or hazardous chemicals (e.g., lead). Other influencing factors are green building design and municipal water supply changes. Regardless of the cause, an increasing number of water management policies require building owners to improve building water management practices. The present study developed a Water Quality and Safety Risk Assessment (WQSRA) tool to address gaps in building water management for academic institutions and school settings. The tool is intended to assist with future implementation of water management programs as the result of pending policies for the built environment. The WQSRA was modeled after water management practices created for controlling water contaminants in healthcare facilities. Yet, a novel WQSRA tool was adapted specifically for educational settings to allow building owners to evaluate risk from water hazards to determine an appropriate level of risk mitigation measures for implementation. An exemplar WQSRA tool is presented for safety, facility, industrial hygiene, and allied professionals to address current gaps in building water management programs. Academic institutions and school settings should examine the WQSRA tool and formulate an organization-specific policy to determine implementation before, during, and after building water-disruptive events associated with natural or man-made disasters.

Novel Dose of Natrium Chloride and Soil Concentration in Reducing Medical Waste Bacteria before Incineration

If it is not adequately managed, the waste from healthcare facilities containing infectious material poses a risk to the general public and the natural environment. As a result, hospitals must ensure that their waste management policies do not add to the dangers posed to both human health and the environment. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect that varying doses of disinfectant in conjunction with andosol soil had on the total number of bacteria present in the medical waste generated by three hospitals in Semarang City, Indonesia. According to the findings of the study, the most efficient method for decreasing the overall number of microbial colonies by 93% was a combination involving soil (at a percentage of 30) and chlorine (at a concentration of 0.75 ppm). As a consequence of this, and due to the limited technology available, this straightforward method can become an alternative for the healthcare industry in managing medical waste before dumping or incinerating it. Hospitals have been advised to discontinue the practice of directly burning, disinfecting, or transporting waste to disposal locations before it receives treatment. This can help reduce the risk of pandemics, as the correct disposal of medical waste can control infection sources.

Administrative concerns in healthcare during COVID 19 pandemic in cement industry in India

IntroductionPurpose of this research is to describe the general administrative concerns and specific financial concerns in Occupational Health Centre in Cement manufacturing Industry in India during COVID19 and to compare the Administrative concerns in Healthcare in cement Industry.MethodsA descriptive qualitative study with ethnography approach to understand and determine administrative concerns faced by healthcare professionals in cement Industry was conducted using a motivational interview technique by Miller and Rollnick.ResultsIt was observed that financial concerns of purchase of new equipment, liaison and budget approval for health activities from senior management, promotions or designation were at par with other technical counterparts of the industry, minimizing the difference and managing the hospital budget and Non-financial concerns of staffing and manpower, Infrastructure development, Health surveillance and awareness, School health and CSR, Motivation of paramedical staff regarding promotion, Security on social and personal perspective, Optimum usage of available resources, Fitness of employees' vs sickness absenteeism – all had increased during the COVID19 pandemic.ConclusionsEmployee expectations were very high with demand for privileged services. Appropriate usage of services for smooth administration and prevention of wastage, strict waste control measures, 100% legal compliance, liaison with external hospitals including local government for appropriate help to be provided for the management within the legal boundaries, proactive health awareness programs on a time-weighted scale with result oriented mindset for the benefit of employees. Similar health awareness programs for dependents and society with assessment of exposure risk under CSR can be achieved by collecting the required data, analysing employee's health status outcomes, setting of goals, awareness of roles and responsibilities, rewards and recognition, proactive approach towards Preventive medicine, collaboration with other organizations or higher centres, setting of clear guidelines, working with HRD, Focus on Telehealth and Virtual Healthcare training.

Perception of local health functionaries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on health-seeking behavior of presumptive tuberculosis (TB) patients in Tricity, Chandigarh, India

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has affected every domain of human life globally and has presented an unprecedented challenge to public health, the food system, work, education, and social life. The healthcare services were prioritized and thus many ongoing important Healthcare services were indirectly affected by that. The current study assumed the perception of Healthcare functionaries regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the health-seeking behavior of presumptive TB patients in tri-city (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali).MethodsA concurrent mixed method study design was conducted among 100 randomly selected healthcare functionaries from public health facilities in Tri-city (Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali). The data was collected using a self-structured and validated questionnaire. A one-to-one method was adopted for collecting data and analysis was done with SPSS V24 both qualitative (frequencies, Chi-square, odd ratio) and quantitative (themes) approaches.ResultAmong 100 respondents 62% participants responded that there was a disruption of the normal functioning of testing and treatment of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP). The logistics and manpower were shifted to COVID-19 management and these were not available routinely for the proper functioning of NTEP. Testing of PTB patients was mostly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The in-depth interview found that factors like social stigma, downplaying of TB disease, and the knowledge about TB were the reasons behind the disruption of PTB services. The health functionaries also give suggestions for the betterment of PTB services if these kinds of pandemics arise in future.ConclusionHaving National Programs such as NTEP should be not kept back foot while dealing with the pandemic, as Tuberculosis is considered to be one of the greatest challenge for Health System and human beings.

An Artificial Intelligence-Based Pharmacy in Rural Areas

Artificial intelligence is drastically changing the world. It has changed and impacted the world on multiple levels and its effects have now reached rural areas. More than half of India's population live in rural areas and 58% of people's livelihood are based only on agriculture. The major issue people face in rural areas is in the field of healthcare.Medical facilities in rural areas are in serious need of advancement due to a lack of workers and an optimal environment. People in rural areas have to travel to towns and cities for disease diagnosis. This causes additional strain on their existing poor financial condition. Online doctor assistance using AI can provide consultation with doctors using phones. Health workers can be trained to operate an AI-based diagnosis and sampling system which provides reports of patients. It can also assemble, store and trace clinical data of individual patients. AI can also be used by doctors to develop personalized assessments. Early detection of diseases can prevent lives. Prediction methodology and algorithms are advancing and providing precise output based on records of patients. During Covid-19, AI played a major role in tracking and predicting morbidity and mortality rate. It was also used for monitoring cases, predicting future outbreaks, and pattern recognition for studying disease trends.AI-based robots are used to help patients in hospitals during a pandemic. Artificial intelligence can help the advancement of healthcare facilities in rural areas.

Epidemiological profile of healthcare workers with COVID-19 in Brunei Darussalam

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) played a key role in the management and mitigation of the virus transmission which consequently placed them at high risk of infection. As per World Health Organization, by May 2021, 6.2% of global COVID-19 infections and 115,000 deaths were among HCWs. This study was carried out to assess the demographic and work factors, vaccination status and symptom patterns of HCWs with COVID-19 infection in Brunei Darussalam.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study using a self-administered, web-based questionnaire was conducted on HCWs from government and private sectors in Brunei Darussalam with positive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or antigen rapid test for COVID-19 from August 2021 to May 2022. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and Chi-square test was used for statistical significance.ResultsA total of 1483 HCWs participated in the study. 232 (15.6%) had COVID-19 infection during the second wave (dominated by Delta variant) and 1251 (84.4%) were infected during the third wave (dominated by Omicron variant). 70% were female, 81.4% from government health facilities, 73.6% were working in hospitals and 45.4% were nurses. 97.7% had at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccination, 81.7% were symptomatic, and cough (61.2%) and fever (56%) were the commonest symptoms. 5.1% needed hospitalization, which was significantly higher during the Delta wave (20.7%) and in those without booster vaccination (11.8%).ConclusionMajority (84.4%) of HCW cases were reported during the third wave, and this was proportionately similar to 88.9% of the total 148,674 cases in the country recorded during the third wave by 31 May 2022. There was a high coverage of HCWs (>97%) with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccination. A high proportion (81.7%) were symptomatic and managed conservatively at home whilst 5% required hospitalization. COVID-19 booster vaccination showed significant protection against hospitalisation.Disease Surveillance

Technological Advancements and Elucidation Gadgets for Healthcare Applications: An Exhaustive Methodological Review-Part-II (Robotics, Drones, 3D-Printing, Internet of Things, Virtual/Augmented and Mixed Reality)

The substantial applicability of technological advancements to the healthcare sector and its allied segments are on the verge of questioning the abilities of hospitals, medical institutions, doctors and clinical pathologists in delivering world class healthcare facilities to the global patient community. Investigative works pertinent to the role played of technological advancements in the healthcare sector motivated this work to be undertaken. Part-I of the review addressed the applicable role play of advanced technologies such as Artificial intelligence, Big-data, Block chain, Open-Source and Cloud Computing Technologies, etc., to the healthcare sector and its allied segments. The current Part-II manuscript is critically focused upon reviewing the sustainable role of additional disrupting technologies such as Robotics, Drones, 3D-Printing, IoT, Virtual/Augmented/Mixed Reality, etc., to uncover the vast number of implicit problems encountered by the clinical community. Investigations governing the deployment of these technologies in various allied healthcare segments are highlighted in this manuscript. Subsequently, the unspoken challenges and remedial future directions are discussed thereof.

Emergency Department Preparedness toward a Future Pandemic: Safety Management Response Pyramid

Background: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities play a crucial role in national and local responses to emergencies, such as communicable disease outbreaks. In our region, hospital management has established mechanisms for developing and implementing a hospital emergency safety management program, which is designed to ensure the effective management of the risks of internal and external emergencies, including pandemics. Aim: To assess and explore the preparedness of the emergency departments in Saudi Arabia at tertiary hospitals toward a future pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at tertiary hospitals. One hundred forty healthcare providers who are working in the emergency department were surveyed, and the response rate was 75% (105). Results: Participants were predominately female (60 (57.1%)), with a bachelor's degree (72 (68.6%)) and had more than 10 years of experience in their profession (46 (43.8%)). The study revealed that, namely, the junior emergency department staff were poorly trained on average all areas of pandemic preparedness. Healthcare providers reported that the highest implemented measures related to safety/ infection control, emergency department management, and response were, respectively: support N95 respirator fit testing (2.77 (SD = 0.44)), infection prevention techniques (2.85 (SD = 0.39)) and provide criteria for patient assessment (2.72 (SD = 0.51)). On the other hand, the lowest implemented measures were for a unit pandemic safety plan, palliative care, and determined alternate transport resources with a mean of 2.04 (SD = 0.75), 2.22 (SD = 0.83), and 2.19 (SD = 0.80) respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the need for formalized pandemic preparedness training, developing a pandemic safety plan to protect the community and healthcare professionals, improving palliative care during and after the pandemic, and defining strategies to allocate healthcare resources. © 2023 Al Haliq et al.

Recasting Biomedical Waste Management Strategies during COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Practice

A rise in the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increase in biomedical waste (BMW) all over the globe that leads to the perilous situation. Hence, this review has made an attempt to gather all the guidelines for appropriate BMW management in dental practice during COVID-19 pandemic. The keywords such as Biomedical waste management guidelines, COVID-19, dental waste management, and India were used in the literature search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar along with the various guidelines provided by international, national agencies and verified government websites with a focus on the BMW management in dentistry during COVID-19. The result enumerated that Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, categorizes the bio-medical waste generated from the health-care facility into four categories based on the segregation pathway and color code. These guidelines were reshaped in 2018, 2019, and in 2020 for COVID-19 pandemic. Collection and segregation of biomedical waste separately before handling it to the Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility was highly recommended that should be labeled with "COVID-19” both in medical and dental waste management guidelines. This review revealed that BMW management guidelines should be followed by all the health-care fraternities including oral health professionals as they are at a heightened risk of COVID-19, it is vital that they are informed of the most up-to-date protocols for BMW disposal in this pandemic.

Challenges Faced by Cancer Patients in Receiving Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rajasthan.

BACKGROUND: Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, cancer patients may have faced difficulty accessing health care. This study explored the challenges experienced by cancer patients in availing of healthcare during the pandemic, as well as the vaccination status and prevalence of COVID-19 infection among cancer patients in the year 2021. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to interview 150 patients from the oncology department using convenience sampling. Face-to-face interviews lasted for 20-30 minutes. The first segment of the pretested semi-structured questionnaire was directed at obtaining the patient's socio-demographic characteristics, while the second segment focused on the problems that patients encountered during the pandemic in receiving cancer care. The data were analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULTS: Several constraints, such as a lack of transportation services, difficulty in availing outpatient department (OPD) and teleconsultation services, long waiting times, and deferred surgeries and therapies, have hampered cancer care. COVID-19 mitigation measures further imposed additional stress and financial burden on cancer patients. Moreover, there was low vaccination coverage among cancer patients, which increases their probability of acquiring an infection. CONCLUSION: Policy reforms must prioritize cancer care in India to maintain a continuum of care by ensuring medication, teleconsultation, uninterrupted treatment, and complete vaccination to decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection and facilitate patient compliance with the healthcare delivery system.