S03a-03 Impact of the COVID crisis on European Poison Centres

ABSTRACT

On behalf of EAPCCT COVID-19 and PCCs activities WG The pandemic has also crystallized the role of clinical toxicology and identified a new role for clinical toxicologists. Poison Control Centers (PCC) and clinical toxicologists have been committed on several fronts prevention, including campaigns, collaboration with Government Agencies, toxicovigilance, etc. Our activity in addition to prehospital triage of intoxicated patients helped to stabilize the flooded emergency system. An ad hoc EAPCCT Covid-19 Working Group was established so as to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 on European PCCs activities. A pilot study was performed in 4 European PCCs [Copenhagen, Pavia, Utrecht, Zurich] to evaluate critical points on methods, data collection and resources. The study was then extended to all European PCCs to investigate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic during the first wave on the activities of European PCC. All 65 European PCCs listed in the WHO directory were asked to supply epidemiological data on poisonings (e.g., number of calls, patients, type of caller (medical professional or public), type of exposure (accidental, intentional (all), intentional suicide attempt), and age groups). Investigated exposures were disinfectants, household cleaning products (according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classification) and drugs, including antivirals. Data was analyzed during a 4-month period (March-June 2020) and compared with the previous two years. Furthermore, all members of EAPCCT were asked to participate in a survey on organizational changes during the COVID-19 pandem-ic.Results: The study included data from 36 PCCs from 21 countries (55% of EU PCCs). 60 % of Head of PCCs from 24 countries submitted pandemic related organizational data. Twenty per cent of PCC saw an increase in length of shifts while 42% saw an increase of total number of shifts. 25% indicated an increase of time spent on duties other than PCC activities, such as activities in the emergency departments (35%), intensive care units (12%), and nursing wards (9%). Over 50% of PCCs lacked protocols to manage PCC staffing upon massive sick leave. In contrast safe working protocols were in place in nearly every PCC. No centers reported receiving special funds for activities arising from the pandemic. Conclusion: European PCCs activities vary in different countries. A substantial improvement can be made in many areas such as data harmonization, establishing a European database of poisonings, and an improved network and cooperation of European PCC, and timely toxicovigilance especially in times of global emergencies.