Building capacity on One Health in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Connecting disciplines in the Philippines

Background and Aim: There have been limited capacity-building activities on One Health in the Philippines. To contribute to capacity development in One Health, the authors conducted the first short course on One Health in the country for health, allied health, and collaborating professionals. This study aimed to review the preparation and implementation of the One Health course and describe the challenges and opportunities of conducting the course during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): The course curriculum was developed by a multidisciplinary group of experts. The objectives for the course were as follows: (1) Describe the concept, scope, and applications of One Health;(2) identify social and economic factors influencing food security and safety, control of zoonoses, and combating antimicrobial resistance;and (3) describe the challenges and opportunities in applying the One Health approach to achieve better public health outcomes. Recruitment of participants was based on predetermined criteria. The 3-day course was conducted online through Zoom. Pre and post-tests as well as the evaluation of the course were administered through Google forms. Result(s): The 3-day online course was attended by 136 participants from 15 of the 17 administrative regions of the country. A multidisciplinary group of experts delivered a total of 11 lectures divided into the following sessions: (1) Fundamentals of One Health;(2) Interrelatedness of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health;and (3) Applications of One Health. Conclusion(s): As the first One Health course in the Philippines, this 3-day course demonstrated the feasibility of conducting capacity-building on One Health for a multidisciplinary group of participants during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. It may serve as a model for similar and more in-depth courses on One Health for specific groups in the future and has set the stage for intersectoral communication and education, providing an avenue for collaboration for professionals in various disciplines, and facilitating the expansion of One Health network in the Philippines.Copyright © Ampo, et al. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Comprehensive medication management services provided via telehealth or hybrid models: A scoping review

Comprehensive medication management (CMM) is increasingly provided by health care teams through telehealth or hybrid modalities. The purpose of this scoping literature review was to assess the published literature and examine the economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes of CMM services provided by pharmacists via telehealth or hybrid modalities. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies were included if they: reported on economic, clinical, or humanistic outcomes;were conducted via telehealth or hybrid modalities;included a pharmacist on their interprofessional team;and evaluated CMM services. The search was conducted between January 1, 2000, and September 28, 2021. The search strategy was adapted for use in Medline (PubMed);Embase;Cochrane;Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature;PsychINFO;International Pharmaceutical s;Scopus;and grey literature. Four reviewers extracted data using a screening tool developed for this study and reviewed for risk of bias. Authors screened 3500 articles, from which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (9 observational studies, 2 RCTs). In seven studies, clinical outcomes improved with telehealth CMM interventions compared to either usual care, face-to-face CMM, or educational controls, as shown by the statistically significant changes in chronic disease clinical outcomes. Two studies evaluated and found increased patient and provider satisfaction. One study described a source of revenue for a telehealth CMM service. Overall, study results indicate that telehealth CMM services, in select cases, may be associated with improved clinical outcomes, but the methods of the included studies were not homogenous enough to conclude that telehealth or hybrid modalities were superior to in-person CMM. To understand the full impact on the Quadruple Aim, additional research is needed to investigate the financial outcomes of CMM conducted using telehealth or hybrid technologies.Copyright © 2022 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Advancing the prevention and control of zoonoses supported by One Health approach.

With the acceleration of globalization, the sustained increase of mobility, the intensification of global warming and environmental changes, the transmission of diseases has become more diverse. In recent years, the corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19) has caused huge economic losses and social unrest around the world. A single-discipline has been unable to solve such complex public health problems effectively. The proposal and development of the One Health approach is closely related to the issues on veterinary medicine and zoonoses. One Health focuses on intradisciplinary, multi-sectoral, and cross-fields collaboration at three levels, including local, regional and global levels, to explore the humans-animals-environment interface complexity. In this review, the development process of One Health approach was introduced. The relationship between the One Health and zoonoses, the role of the One Health in the prevention and control of zoonoses, and how to effectively implement the One Health approach in the real world were explored, providing references for research on zoonoses prevention and control, anti-microbial resistance, food safety, and the impact of climate change on health.Copyright © 2022, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases. All rights reserved.

A Malaysian Medical Non-Governmental Organization's (NGO) Experience in the Emergency Response for COVID-19, Using the Whole-of-Society Collaborative Concept.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are one of the important players during a pandemic, including the Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) Response and Relief Team (IMARET). During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, IMARET played a key role in assisting health relief efforts in Malaysia. We are sharing this experience as a medical NGO's response to the pandemic. This report presents data from the March 18 to June 10, 2020, retrieved from IMARET's database with approval from the Executive Committee and the IMARET COVID-19 Task Force. We report that IMARET's task force consists of 30 people, mostly medical doctors. Supplies distributed included personal protective equipment with other medical equipment, such as portable ultrasounds and ventilators. IMARET engaged with 33 collaborators and 92 partners and funders. There were 135 volunteers with the majority being medical volunteers. IMARET raised more than RM $3 million (US $740 000) garnering support from over 40 000 donors in 85 days. In conclusion, NGOs play a significant role that effectively enhance and complement the consolidated works by the authorities and public in the effort to overcome COVID-19 challenges.

One Health activities to reinforce intersectoral coordination at local levels in India.

India's dense human and animal populations, agricultural economy, changing environment, and social dynamics support conditions for emergence/re-emergence of zoonotic diseases that necessitate a One Health (OH) approach for control. In addition to OH national level frameworks, effective OH driven strategies that promote local intersectoral coordination and collaboration are needed to truly address zoonotic diseases in India. We conducted a literature review to assess the landscape of OH activities at local levels in India that featured intersectoral coordination and collaboration and supplemented it with our own experience conducting OH related activities with local partners. We identified key themes and examples in local OH activities. Our landscape assessment demonstrated that intersectoral collaboration primarily occurs through specific research activities and during outbreaks, however, there is limited formal coordination among veterinary, medical, and environmental professionals on the day-to-day prevention and detection of zoonotic diseases at district/sub-district levels in India. Examples of local OH driven intersectoral coordination include the essential role of veterinarians in COVID-19 diagnostics, testing of human samples in veterinary labs for Brucella and leptospirosis in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, respectively, and implementation of OH education targeted to school children and farmers in rural communities. There is an opportunity to strengthen local intersectoral coordination between animal, human and environmental health sectors by building on these activities and formalizing the existing collaborative networks. As India moves forward with broad OH initiatives, OH networks and experience at the local level from previous or ongoing activities can support implementation from the ground up.

Intersectoral planning in the new coronavirus pandemic: the challenge of returning to face-to-face classes / Planejamento intersetorial na pandemia do novo coronavírus: desafio para retorno às aulas presenciais / Planificación intersectorial en la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus: Reto para la vuelta a las clases presenciales

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de profissionais da saúde acerca do apoio intersetorial ao Comitê de Planejamento para Retorno das Atividades Presenciais (CPRAP) na construção de instrumentos norteadores para o retorno das aulas presenciais. Síntese dos dados: Trata-se de um relato de experiência que ocorreu em 13 (treze) municípios da Região Litoral Leste Jaguaribe do estado do Ceará, Brasil, no período de junho a outubro de 2020, através da participação no CPRAP da Coordenadoria Regional de Desenvolvimento da Educação de Russas (CREDE-10). As atividades realizadas pela Coordenadoria de Aracati (COORD/Aracati) na contribuição ao Comitê compreenderam a produção de apresentação do panorama de indicadores estratégicos da COVID-19 nos municípios de abrangência da CREDE-10; construção de boletins epidemiológicos da COVID-19 e elaboração de estudo técnico dos indicadores do município de Russas, sede da CREDE-10. Conclusão: A participação dos profissionais de saúde no CPRAP possibilitou a troca de experiências, promovida pelos múltiplos olhares e saberes, possibilitando ampliar a compreensão do contexto pandêmico e, em conjunto, propor soluções. Assim, verificou-se a importância do trabalho intersetorial, sobretudo na pandemia do novo coronavírus.

Objective: To report the experience of health professionals regarding the intersectoral support provided to the Committee for the Planning of the Resumption of Face-to-Face Activities (Comitê de Planejamento para Retorno das Atividades Presenciais ­ CPRAP) in the construction of guidelines on the return of face-to-face classes. Data synthesis: This is a report of an experience that took place in 13 (thirteen) municipalities in the East Coastal Region of Jaguaribe in the state of Ceará, Brazil, from June to October 2020, through the participation of the Regional Coordination Office for the Development of Education in Russas (Coordenadoria Regional de Desenvolvimento da Educação de Russas ­ CREDE-10) in CPRAP. The activities carried out by the Aracati Coordination Office (Coordenadoria de Aracati ­ COORD/Aracati) in contributing to the Committee included the production of a presentation of the panorama of strategic indicators of COVID-19 in the municipalities covered by CREDE-10, the construction of epidemiological bulletins on COVID-19 and the preparation of a technical study of indicators for the municipality of Russas, which is the headquarters of CREDE-10. Conclusion: The participation of health professionals in CPRAP allowed for the exchange of experiences promoted by multiple perspectives and knowledge, thereby making it possible to broaden the understanding of the pandemic context and propose solutions. Thus, the importance of intersectoral work was verified, especially in the new coronavirus pandemic.

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia de profesionales de salud acerca del apoyo intersectorial al Comité de Planificación para Vuelta a las Actividades Presenciales (CPVAP) en la construcción de instrumentos norteadores para la vuelta de las clases presenciales. Síntesis de los datos: Se trata de un informe de experiencia que ocurrió en 13 (trece) municipios de la Región Litoral Leste Jaguaribe del Estado del Ceará, Brasil, en el período de junio a octubre de 2020, por medio de la participación en el CPRVP de la Coordinaduría Regional de Desarrollo de la Educación de Russas (CREDE-10). Las actividades realizadas por la Coordinaduría de Aracati (COORD/Aracati) en la contribución al Comité comprendieron la producción de presentación del panorama de indicadores estratégicos de la COVID-19 en los municipios de alcance de la CREDE-10; construcción de boletines epidemiológicos de la COVID-10 y creación de estudio técnico de los indicadores del municipio de Russas, domicilio de la CREDE-10. Conclusión: La participación de los profesionales de salud en el CPRVP posibilitó el intercambio de experiencias, promovida por múltiples miradas y saberes, posibilitando amplificar la comprensión del contexto pandémico y, en conjunto, proponer soluciones. Así, se verificó la importancia del trabajo intersectorial, sobretodo en la pandemia del nuevo coronavirus.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mother-Infant Mental Health Relationship

Maternal health cannot be separated from infant, child and adolescent health, which includes mental health as well. Expecting mothers go through a number of changes during their pregnancy. Due to the specific alterations of their physique and immune system, pregnant mothers are more vulnerable to the Covid-19 infection. This highlights the importance of the vaccinations in their cases. During the pandemic, mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and stress aroused in greater numbers. This affected mothers, and younger children as well. Expecting mothers, without pre-existing mental disorder (>50%) reported a weightier level of anxiety in their first trimester. Also, infants can suffer developmental disadvantages, as their infected mothers are separated from them. Even though evidence is not yet clear in this topic, vertical transmission seems to be fairly uncommon. Treatment guidelines, that could help Covid-19 infected mothers to handle their infants, are scarce. Hence the importance of telehealth has started to be outlined. Separation from the children might be necessary, while the mental health of mother and infant is continuously screened, since the long-term consequences of the symptoms are still unknown. Hence, prevention is imperative to avoid any negative effects. Even still, WHO advises mothers to breastfeed safely, with good respiratory hygiene, emphasizing the importance of skin-to-skin contact of newborns and sharing the room with them. On policy level: investment into pre-, peri-, post-natal care, family supporting national programs, inter-sectoral collaborations, monitoring and research are important elements of prevention and treatment efforts during the Epidemic and the post-Covid-19 era.

Adapting and thriving, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) partnership

To adapt means “to become adjusted to new conditions.” Nothing could summarize infection prevention more succinctly since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The emerging science around the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) required constant adaptation of infection prevention practices. Inventive methods extended supplies of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) during critical shortages. The infection prevention community adapted HAI reporting to include COVID-19. Hospitals altered e-mail systems, schedules, and more to achieve mass vaccination of healthcare personnel with the new mRNA vaccines and the delicate storage conditions these vaccines require. The list goes on.

Upstream Determinants and Downstream Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infection in Iran: A Qualitative Study of Health Professionals' Views

Background: Iran, after China, emerged as one of the first COVID-19 epidemic countries. Despite all efforts to interrupt new transmission chains, the virus continued to quickly spread across the country. WHO has highlighted a crucial role for social factors and intersectoral collaboration to tackle COVID-19. This study aimed to identify challenges related to the upstream determinants and downstream risk factors of COVID-19 infection in Iran as perceived by health professionals at different levels of service administration. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in October 2020. A directed qualitative content analysis was done to explore the views of health professionals and administrators toward determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran. Using a deductive approach, we tested the implications of the WHO Commission on the Social Determinants of Health (CSDH) framework regarding COVID-19. Results: The determinants of COVID-19 infection in Iran are referred to as: 1) upstream social determinants, including political considerations in dealing with COVID-19, conflicting authority structures between and within organizations and sectors, poor intersectoral collaboration, unstable macroeconomic environment, pandemic crisis management, poor governance in the health system, cultural and societal values, trust and social capital, and individuals' socioeconomic status;and 2) downstream risk factors, including poor health literacy, poor compliance with COVID-19 prevention guidelines, secrecy related to the infection, individual's health status, lifestyle, and virus characteristics. Conclusion: It is essential to motivate people to practice preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors. To change the behavior at the population level, a complex fusion of policy and practice, and dealing with the complexity of structural determinants and downstream risk factors are needed. Please cite this article as: Jorjoran Shushtari Z, Shirazikhah M, Ahmadi S, Salimi Y, Biglarian A, Almasi A, Paykani T. Upstream Determinants and Downstream Risk Factors of COVID-19 Infection in Iran: A Qualitative Study of Health Professionals' Views. © Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System.All right reserved.

Control of COVID-19 in Rural Area: An Evidence-based Strategy

Background: COVID-19 has become a global problem. In this case study, the experiences gained from disease control in rural areas are reported. Methods: An observational study was done in 2020 in Sistan and Balochestan, the largest province with most rural areas in the southeast of Iran. Results: After identification of the first patient of Covid-19 in a rural area, three measures were taken including: 1. Diagnosis, screening and treatment of the disease (Incident command post was established and the village was completely quarantined, etc.;2. Intersectoral coordination for epidemiological management (limiting traffic for people and any gathering);and 3. Identification of any Covid-19 positive cases. The results of these measures showed that after quarantining the village and performing the mentioned actions, the number of patients decreased, and the disease was controlled. Conclusion: Quarantine of the contaminated rural area and people's traffic routes is one of the most important measures in controlling Covid-19. © Journal of Health Sciences and Surveillance System.All right reserved.

Reflecting back to move forward: Lessons learned about COVID-19 safety protocols from pediatric anesthesiologists.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about the immediate need for enhanced safety protocols in health care centers. These protocols had to evolve as knowledge and understanding of the disease quickly broadened. AIMS: Through this study, the researchers aimed to understand the experiences of pediatric anesthesiologists at the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Shriners' Hospital Canada as they navigated the first wave of COVID-19 at their institutions. METHODS: Nine participants from the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Shriners' Hospital were interviewed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed using an applied philosophical hermeneutics approach. FINDINGS: Participants expressed their wish for simple and easy-to-apply protocols while recognizing the challenge of keeping up with evolving knowledge on the disease and its transmission. They pointed to some limitations and unintended consequences of the safety protocols and the system-wide flaws that the COVID-19 pandemic helped bring to light. They described their frustrations with some aspects of the safety protocols, which they at times felt could be more efficient or better suited for their daily practice. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlighted the importance of listening to and empowering anesthesiology staff working in the field during crises, the implications of shifting from patient-centered care to community-centered care, and the fine line between sharing as much emerging information as possible and overwhelming staff with information.

INVOLVEMENT OF THE AFRICAN VETERINARY LABORATORIES OF THE MEDILABSECURE NETWORK IN THE COVID-19 CRISIS

MediLab Secure is an EU-funded project whose main objective is to create a framework for collaboration to promote surveillance of viral zoonoses under a One Health approach in 22 countries of the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sahel regions. During the COVID-19 crisis the project rapidly adapted to the emergency and provided technical assistance to the beneficiary countries in terms of diagnosis and surveillance in humans and animals. To evaluate the involvement of the veterinary laboratories of our network in the sanitary crisis and estimate the degree of intersectoral collaborations, an online survey was launched in April 2021. We received responses from 19 labs, 7 of them from African countries. Of these laboratories, 3 (Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania) were not involved in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis despite having trained staff and all the protocols implemented. In these countries the cooperation of vet labs was not requested by the Ministry of Health despite their offer to collaborate. Nevertheless, two of these labs donated equipment and reagents to their Public Health institutions to help with the overwhelming demand of diagnostic materials. Three laboratories (Egypt, Senegal and Tunisia) were involved in SARS-CoV-2 molecular and serological diagnosis but only in animal samples (pets and animal food products). Only one veterinary laboratory (Niger) established full collaboration with the Ministry of Health and was intensively involved in the molecular diagnosis of human samples from May to September 2020. Moreover, vet specialists from this lab were also involved in the disinfection of contaminated premises. The results of this survey show the willingness to help veterinary labs in North Africa and Sahel regions to face a Public Health crisis caused by a zoonotic pathogen. Although the degree of intersectoral collaboration was low in most of the countries, the successful One Health experience of Niger could be a good example for future sanitary emergencies.

Game changer in cancer treatment in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: It is time for a game-changer in the cancer pathway in Switzerland and around the world. COVID-19 has made this more evident than ever. The prevalence, complexity, and cost of cancer care are increasing in Switzerland. Losses in efficiency, resources, and inappropriate attribution hinder health outcomes. This study examined opportunities for improvement across the cancer path, with a focus on patient-provider communication, effective policies and approaches to strengthen interprofessional collaboration. METHODS: A qualitative study was undertaken. Key stakeholders, selected on the basis of their expertise in different areas of the cancer pathway, were assessed through interviews. The need to develop and implement innovative strategies to prevent and treat cancer was investigated, and key recommendations were identified for discussion with politicians and policy makers. Inductive content analysis was conducted. RESULTS: There is a prominent need for collaboration and cross-sectoral action in cancer, encompassing clinical disciplines, communication strategies, and professional attitudes. The need and demand for collaboration responds to a highly fragmented cancer landscape in Switzerland, with a hierarchical organization of medical care entities and much competition. COVID-19 made these gaps more visible and highlighted the need to develop a new systematic approach and contingency plan to protect the most vulnerable. CONCLUSION: Pressing developments are occurring in the health care system given the increasing prevalence of some cancers, the demographics of the Swiss population, the growing number of cancer survivors, and the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. POLICY SUMMARY: More fundamental solutions and policies should be developed and implemented to meet patient needs and increase health outcomes: are providers and patients taking responsibility for change? Will business interests and the power play boycott policy development? Change must start now, with policymakers, patients, providers and insurers joining forces.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Primary Health Care

Purpose/Context. This text provides some contributions from bioethics to analyze together the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the primary health care setting in Argentina. Methodology/Approach. It is framed in the bioethical perspective of hu-man rights with focus on social inequalities, social determinations of heal-th and its historical/territorial processes of production and reproduction. Results/Findings. We consider the interweaving of emotions and fee-lings at play in health care at the first level of care, specific to the current pandemic, identifying appropriate, reasonable and containerized ways to facilitate accessibility to health care. Some lines to work in this direction are outlined. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions. The topic is discussed on three axes: health system, actors involved in the course of the pandemic and pos-sible actions. It is postulated that, especially in the first half of the pandemic, the importance of primary health care as a strategy for its approach is blu-rred, which could have avoided "overflows" of the health system. We also discuss the possibilities of concrete actions at the primary health care level with emphasis on social inequalities, beyond the slogan for the policy.

Contribution of the occupational health to the COVID-19 pandemic control

When the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a public health emergency of international concern, the Spanish Ministry of Health called the health, labor, social security authorities, Labor and Social Security Inspection, National Institute of Security and Occupational Health, employers, unions, occupational risk prevention services, mutual societies and scientific societies of occupational medicine and nursing, to collaborate in the control of the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in companies. The Occupational Health Group of the Public Health Commission of the Interterritorial Council of the National Health System, developed the Procedure for the prevention of occupational risks in the face of exposure to SARS-CoV-2, which has been updated 15 times until the date. It contains the prevention measures to be implemented in the workplaces: organizational and collective protection, personal protection, especially vulnerable worker and risk level, study and management of cases and contacts that occurred in the company, collaboration in the management of temporary disability and, more recently, reincorporation and management of vaccinated workers. As a result of these cooperation and collaboration frameworks, a series of activities were deployed in the workplace, which are described in this article.