SARS-CoV-2 testing and infection control strategies in European paediatric emergency departments during the first wave of the pandemic.
Eur J Pediatr
; 180(4): 1299-1305, 2021 Apr.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-866209
ABSTRACT
Between February and May 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, paediatric emergency departments in 12 European countries were prospectively surveyed on their implementation of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) testing and infection control strategies. All participating departments (23) implemented standardised case definitions, testing guidelines, early triage and infection control strategies early in the outbreak. Patient testing criteria initially focused on suspect cases and later began to include screening, mainly for hospital admissions. Long turnaround times for test results likely put additional strain on healthcare resources.Conclusion:
Shortening turnaround times for SARS-CoV-2 tests should be a priority. Specific paediatric testing criteria are needed. What is Known ⢠WHO and public health authorities issued case definitions, testing and infection control recommendations for COVID-19 in January. ⢠SARS-CoV-2 testing was made available across Europe in February. What is New ⢠Paediatric emergency departments implemented COVID-19-specific procedures rapidly, including case definitions, testing guidelines and early triage. ⢠A third of surveyed departments waited more than 24 h for SARS-CoV-2 test to be reported, resulting in additional strain on resources.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Infection Control
/
Emergency Service, Hospital
/
Pandemics
/
COVID-19 Testing
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Infant
/
Male
/
Infant, Newborn
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Eur J Pediatr
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S00431-020-03843-w
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