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Stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology during the novel coronavirus outbreak: an experience from Hong Kong.
Lai, Tracy H T; Tang, Emily W H; Chau, Sandy K Y; Fung, Kitty S C; Li, Kenneth K W.
  • Lai THT; Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, 130 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
  • Tang EWH; Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, 2 Po Ning Path, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong SAR.
  • Chau SKY; Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, 130 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR.
  • Fung KSC; Department of Ophthalmology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, 2 Po Ning Path, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong SAR.
  • Li KKW; Department of Pathology, Tseung Kwan O Hospital, 2 Po Ning Path, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong SAR.
Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol ; 258(5): 1049-1055, 2020 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-3156
ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly emerged as a global health threat. The purpose of this article is to share our local experience of stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology to minimise COVID-19 infection of both healthcare workers and patients.

METHODS:

Infection control measures implemented in our ophthalmology clinic are discussed. The measures are based on detailed risk assessment by both local ophthalmologists and infection control experts.

RESULTS:

A three-level hierarchy of control measures was adopted. First, for administrative control, in order to lower patient attendance, text messages with an enquiry phone number were sent to patients to reschedule appointments or arrange drug refill. In order to minimise cross-infection of COVID-19, a triage system was set up to identify patients with fever, respiratory symptoms, acute conjunctivitis or recent travel to outbreak areas and to encourage these individuals to postpone their appointments for at least 14 days. Micro-aerosol generating procedures, such as non-contact tonometry and operations under general anaesthesia were avoided. Nasal endoscopy was avoided as it may provoke sneezing and cause generation of droplets. All elective clinical services were suspended. Infection control training was provided to all clinical staff. Second, for environmental control, to reduce droplet transmission of COVID-19, installation of protective shields on slit lamps, frequent disinfection of equipment, and provision of eye protection to staff were implemented. All staff were advised to measure their own body temperatures before work and promptly report any symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting or diarrhoea. Third, universal masking, hand hygiene, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were promoted.

CONCLUSION:

We hope our initial experience in stepping up infection control measures for COVID-19 infection in ophthalmology can help ophthalmologists globally to prepare for the potential community outbreak or pandemic. In order to minimise transmission of COVID-19, ophthalmologists should work closely with local infection control teams to implement infection control measures that are appropriate for their own clinical settings.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ophthalmology / Pneumonia, Viral / Disease Outbreaks / Coronavirus Infections / Eye Diseases / Pandemics Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Year: 2020 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Ophthalmology / Pneumonia, Viral / Disease Outbreaks / Coronavirus Infections / Eye Diseases / Pandemics Type of study: Observational study / Prognostic study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol Year: 2020 Document Type: Article