Adaptation of a Study Design to the COVID-19 Pandemic Regulations - Evaluation of a Voice-Controlled Robotic Kitchen Assistance System for the Support of Older Adults in Need of Care

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic had and still has a major impact on the design and realization of studies with volunteers due to the associated restrictions in face-to-face research. In connection with vulnerable target groups in particular, alternative study designs have to be considered. In the AuRorA project, a voice-controlled robotic kitchen assistance system was developed for supporting older adults in need of care. We will present how we planned and conducted the evaluation of the system despite pandemic restrictions. Methods. We carried out an iterative risk management based on ISO 12100:2010 with a multidisciplinary team before starting the study. In addition to the consideration of personnel safety in human-robot interaction, additional focus was placed on subject safety with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results. The risk management revealed that the study cannot be conducted via face-to-face with the target group. As a result, the study was performed via an online survey. We evaluated the robotic system using questionnaires. We simulated and filmed an exemplary cooking process and implemented the video into the survey. The target group was reached via mail. Discussion. Other research groups also struggeled to adapt their studies to the pandemic situation. However, no best practice example exist yet. With our risk management, we were able to adapt our study design. However, only part of the target group could be reached. In addition, it can be questioned wether the ISO, which adresses machine safety, was an efficient application of risk management in this area. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

[Bundle care - prevention of pneumonia in patients mechanically ventilated in COVID-19 pandemia - a challenge for patients and personnel safety]. / Bundle care ­ prewencja zapalen pluc u wentylowanych pacjentów w pandemii COVID-19 ­ wyzwanie dla bezpieczenstwa pacjentów i personelu.

Intensive care units are characterized by the high risk of infections in patients. Pneumonia is one of the most common forms of infection with a high risk of death. Hence, to improve patient safety, specific packages of procedures, the so-called "bundle care," are recommended by experts in the field. The usage of selected protective procedures carries the risk of transmitting microbes from patients to staff, which in the case of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 can have serious health consequences for staff. Therefore, medical staff of intensive care units should strictly follow recommendation concerning healthcare workers safety and the rules of isolation, which in the current pandemic should be supplemented with specific elements. The paper presents an overview of the optimization of patient care and staff safety within the so-called "bundle care" in the COVID-19 pandemic. Med Pr. 2021;72(6):721-8.

Safety Recommendations for Forensic Laboratory Staff During COVID-19 Pandemic.

In the 21st century, the crime rate and viral infectious diseases are on peak and seems to be the real enemies of humanity. Forensic science and its various branches especially biology have a key role in modern-day justice. Forensic scientists and laboratory staffs are of great significance for elucidating the biological exhibits and generating the biological evidence which are required for criminal justice. Owing to the profession and like other medical health workers, forensic laboratory staffs are also at a greater risk in the era of COVID-19. Therefore, the safety of forensic laboratory staff is of utmost importance during this pandemic. The article emphasizes on the safety guidelines and regulations that need to be adopted by the forensic staff in connection with daily laboratory practices. Thus, the article may offer a reference or help one to implement COVID-19 advisory to forensic scientists and other laboratory staff working in forensic institutions and laboratories during the current pandemic.