The presence of fungi on contact electrical stimulation electrodes and ultrasound transducers in physiotherapy clinics

Modèles alternatifs dans la pratique de la rééducation à l’ère de la pandémie de Covid-19

La pandémie de Covid-19 a imposé un changement soudain et forcé dans le spectre des soins de santé qui s’est produit avec une rapidité sans précédent. La nécessité d’accommoder le changement à une grande échelle a exigé de l’ingéniosité et une réflexion décisive. Ces changements affectent les acteurs du domaine de la médecine physique et de la réadaptation (MPR) personnellement et professionnellement. Les experts réfléchissent maintenant à la manière d’améliorer la pratique médicale en utilisant de nouvelles approches en réadaptation. Les modèles et les expériences rapportés dans la littérature, tels que la téléréadaptation, la préadaptation et l’activité physique adaptée sont basés sur la stratégie de l’auto-rééducation collaborative qui est proposée comme un élément-clé de ces voies alternatives. Ces approches innovantes aideront à restructurer les processus d’exercice de la réadaptation, non seulement dans ces moments inhabituels, mais aussi dans l’avenir de la MPR.

Niveau de preuve

NA.

Analysis of the Microbiota of the Physiotherapist's Environment

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the microbiota of the physiotherapist's work environment to understand the existing potential risks and to adopt appropriate preventive measures.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive observational study.

SETTING

Physiotherapist's working environment.

PARTICIPANTS

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers (N=19).

INTERVENTIONS

A microbiological sampling was carried out in the physiotherapy centers. The samples were studied using the usual culture and analysis methodology for characterization and isolation of a range of bacteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Absolute and relative frequency of microorganism isolation.

RESULTS

In the analysis, pathogens normally responsible for nosocomial infections were detected, especially on instruments and equipment used by the physiotherapist such as sponge electrodes, and were significantly more contaminated than the rest of the places studied (P<.01).

CONCLUSION

This situation confirms the absence of measures and protocols for the prevention and control of such infections in the physiotherapist's environment, which is why they must be considered to protect both physiotherapy professionals and patients.

How Should the Rehabilitation Community Prepare for 2019-nCoV?

With the novel coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV) pandemic spreading quickly in the United States and the world, it is urgent that the rehabilitation community quickly understands the epidemiology of the virus and what we can and must do to face this microbial adversary at the early stages of this likely long global pandemic. The 2019-nCoV is a novel virus so most of the world’s population does not have prior immunity to it. It is more infectious and fatal than seasonal influenza, and definitive treatment and a vaccine are months away. Our arsenal against it is currently mainly social distancing and infection control measures.