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McInerney J, Lombardo P, Cowling C, Roberts S, Sim J. Australian sonographers' perceptions of patient safety in ultrasound imaging: Part two - translation into practice. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2023; 31:186-194. [PMID: 37538968 PMCID: PMC10395386 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x221131282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Introduction A lack of patient safety research hampers capacity to improve safety in healthcare.Ultrasound is often considered 'safe' as it does not use ionising radiation, a simplistic view of patient safety. Understanding sonographers' actions towards patient safety is crucial; however, self-reported measures cannot always predict behaviour. This study is part of a PhD exploring patient safety in medical diagnostic ultrasound. The aim of this paper is to explore sonographers' responses to the patient safety concerns identified in Part one of this study. The ultimate aim of the study is to inform the final phase of the doctoral study which will consider the next steps in improving the quality and safety of healthcare experienced by patients. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) explained how sonographers respond to perceived patient safety risks in practice. Results Thirty-one sonographers were interviewed. Based on the seven themes identified in Part one of the study, results showed that incongruences exist between identifying patient safety risks and the actions taken in practice to manage these risks. Conclusion The TPB showed that behavioural, normative and control beliefs impact sonographers' responses to perceived patient safety risks in practice and can lead to risk avoidance. Lack of regulation in ultrasound creates a challenge in dealing with Fitness to Practice issues. Collective actions are required to support sonographers in taking appropriate actions to enhance patient safety from multiple stakeholders including accreditation bodies, regulatory authorities, educational institutions and employers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jenny Sim
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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2
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McInerney J, Lombardo P, Cowling C, Roberts S, Sim J. Australian sonographers' perceptions of patient safety in ultrasound imaging: Part 1 - identifying the main safety concerns, a qualitative study. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2023; 31:127-138. [PMID: 37144224 PMCID: PMC10152324 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x221131286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Patient safety has been an undervalued component of quality healthcare but is a challenging area of research.Ultrasound is the most common imaging modality in the world. Research on patient safety in ultrasound is generally focused on bioeffects and safe operation of ultrasound equipment. However, other safety issues exist in practice that warrant consideration.This paper forms the first part of a PhD study exploring patient safety in medical diagnostic ultrasound, beyond the notion of bioeffects.The ultimate aim of the study is to inform the final phase of the research study which will consider the next steps in improving the quality and safety of healthcare experienced by patients. Methods A qualitative study using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. A thematic analysis categorised data into codes and generated final themes. Results A heterogeneous mix of 31 sonographers, who reflected the profile of the profession in Australia, were interviewed between September 2019 and January 2020. Seven themes emerged from the analysis. These were bioeffects, physical safety, workload, reporting, professionalism, intimate examinations and infection control. Conclusion This study presents a comprehensive analysis of sonographers' perceptions of patient safety in ultrasound imaging, not previously available in the literature. Consistent with the literature, patient safety in ultrasound tends to be viewed in technical terms through the potential for bioeffects of tissue damage or physical harm to the patient. However, other patient safety issues have emerged, and while not as well recognised, have the potential to negatively impact on patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jenny Sim
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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3
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Jimenez YA, Hill S, Lewis SJ. Infection prevention and control in medical imaging surveys: The need to map to guidelines to address systemic issues? Infect Dis Health 2023; 28:102-114. [PMID: 36707351 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention and control (IPC) in the medical imaging (MI) setting is recognised as an important factor in providing high-quality patient care and safe working conditions. Surveys are commonly used and have advantages for IPC research. The aim of this study was to identify the core concepts in surveys published in the literature that examined IPC in MI environments. METHODS A literature review was conducted to identify studies that employed a survey relating to IPC in the MI setting. For each included study, descriptive study information and survey information were extracted. For IPC-specific survey items, directed content analysis was undertaken, using eleven pre-determined codes based on the 'Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare'. Content that related to 'Knowledge', 'Attitudes' and 'Practice' were also identified. RESULTS A total of 23 studies and 21 unique surveys were included in this review. IPC-specific survey items assessed diverse dimensions of IPC, most commonly relating to 'transmission-based precautions' and 'applying standard and transmission-based precautions during procedures'. 'Practice' and 'Knowledge' related survey items were most frequent, compared to 'Attitudes'. CONCLUSION MI research using survey methods have focused on the 'entry' points of IPC, rather than systemic IPC matters around policy, education, and stewardship. The concepts of 'Knowledge', 'Attitudes' and 'Practice' are integrated in IPC surveys in the MI context, with a greater focus evident on staff knowledge and practice. Existing topics within IPC surveys in MI are tailored to individual studies and locales, with lack of consistency to national frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yobelli A Jimenez
- Susan Wakil Health Building (D18), Western Avenue, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia.
| | - Suzanne Hill
- Susan Wakil Health Building (D18), Western Avenue, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Sarah J Lewis
- Susan Wakil Health Building (D18), Western Avenue, University of Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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Wüstner M, Radzina M, Calliada F, Cantisani V, Havre RF, Jenderka KV, Kabaalioğlu A, Kocian M, Kollmann C, Künzel J, Lim A, Maconi G, Mitkov V, Popescu A, Saftoiu A, Sidhu PS, Jenssen C. Professional Standards in Medical Ultrasound - EFSUMB Position Paper (Short Version) - General Aspects. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2022; 43:456-463. [PMID: 35850146 DOI: 10.1055/a-1854-2936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This first position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on professional standards presents a common position across the different medical professions within EFSUMB regarding optimal standards for the performing and reporting of ultrasound examinations by any professional ultrasound operator. It describes general aspects of professionality that ensure procedure quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in virtually all application fields of medical ultrasound. Recommendations are given related to safety and indication of ultrasound examinations, requirements for examination rooms, structured examination, systematic reporting of results, and management, communication and archiving of ultrasound data. The print version of this article is a short version. The long version is published online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wüstner
- Central Interdisciplinary Sonography, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder, Trier, Germany
| | - Maija Radzina
- Radiology Research laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Diagnostic Radiology Institute, Paul Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, ROME, Italy
| | - Roald Flesland Havre
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Milan Kocian
- Anästhesie und Intensiv, Asklepios Klinik Burglengenfeld, Germany
- Visual Medicine s. r. o., Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Kollmann
- Center for Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Künzel
- Otorhinolaryngology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Lim
- Imaging, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimir Mitkov
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Division, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alina Popescu
- Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Saftoiu
- Res Ctr Gastroenterol Hepatol, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Radiology, King's College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland Strausberg/Wriezen, Germany
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Wüstner M, Radzina M, Calliada F, Cantisani V, Havre RF, Jenderka KV, Kabaalioğlu A, Kocian M, Kollmann C, Künzel J, Lim A, Maconi G, Mitkov V, Popescu A, Saftoiu A, Sidhu PS, Jenssen C. Professional Standards in Medical Ultrasound - EFSUMB Position Paper (Long Version) - General Aspects. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2022; 43:e36-e48. [PMID: 35850145 DOI: 10.1055/a-1857-4435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This first position paper of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) on professional standards presents a common position across the different medical professions within EFSUMB regarding optimal standards for the performing and reporting of ultrasound examinations by any professional ultrasound operator. It describes general aspects of professionality that ensure procedure quality, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability in virtually all application fields of medical ultrasound. Recommendations are given related to safety and indication of ultrasound examinations, requirements for examination rooms, structured examination, systematic reporting of results, and management, communication and archiving of ultrasound data. The print version of this article is a short version. The long version is published online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wüstner
- Central Interdisciplinary Sonography, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder, Trier, Germany
| | - Maija Radzina
- Radiology Research laboratory, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
- Diagnostic Radiology Institute, Paul Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Vito Cantisani
- Department of Radiology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, ROME, Italy
| | - Roald Flesland Havre
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Milan Kocian
- Anästhesie und Intensiv, Asklepios Klinik, Burglengenfeld, Germany
- Visual Medicine s. r. o., Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Kollmann
- Center for Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Künzel
- Otorhinolaryngology, University of Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adrian Lim
- Imaging, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Giovanni Maconi
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, "L. Sacco" University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Vladimir Mitkov
- Diagnostic Ultrasound Division, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alina Popescu
- Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Saftoiu
- Res Ctr Gastroenterol Hepatol, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
| | - Paul S Sidhu
- Radiology, King's College London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Christian Jenssen
- Klinik für Innere Medizin, Krankenhaus Märkisch Oderland Strausberg/Wriezen, Germany
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Luna C, Estanga I, Patricia Castillo R. Abbreviated Ultrasonography Examination Protocols for COVID-19 Patients: A Streamlined Process to Reduce Staff Exposure. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/87564793221079805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The primary goal of this article is to show that an abbreviated ultrasonography (US) examination protocols can decrease imaging time and staff exposure. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center institutional review board (IRB)-approved retrospective cohort study in which 39 patients, positive for 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), underwent an abbreviated US examination protocol from April to May 2020. Radiologists, specializing in body imaging, created these protocols. Descriptive statistics were performed, including the mean duration of the abbreviated US protocols and the mean duration of the standard US protocols, as a control group. Results: The abbreviated US protocols resulted in a significant time reduction ( P < .05) compared with the regular protocol duration. Conclusion: As radiology services face this unprecedented pandemic, implementing reduced US protocols can result in safer practices decreasing staff exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele Luna
- Department of Radiology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Indira Estanga
- Department of Radiology, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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7
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de Souza Hajar K, Quartim de Moraes Bruna C, Uchikawa Graziano K. Infection Transmission Associated With Contaminated Ultrasound Probes: A Systematic Review. AORN J 2021; 115:42-51. [PMID: 34958475 DOI: 10.1002/aorn.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review of seven studies on infections related to contaminated ultrasound probes showed that the infections were related to a failure in the decontamination process of ultrasound devices used on immature skin of neonates in an intensive care unit and transesophageal echocardiography probes. Six of the studies involved outbreaks in patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography either during or after surgery or as a part of treatment for a nonsurgical cardiac condition. The evidence shows links between the infection outbreaks and environmental contamination, lack of standardized ultrasound probe disinfection processes, inadequate storage, and lack of monitoring of probe integrity. When personnel addressed the deficiencies (eg, improving the disinfection process, cleaning the probes immediately after use, inspecting the probes for defects), the infections ceased. Personnel involved with the reprocessing of ultrasound probes should clean, disinfect, inspect, and store ultrasound probes in a manner that maintains device integrity and prevents contamination.
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Van Kalsbeek D, Enroth K, Lyden E, Rupp ME, Smith CJ. Improving hospital-based point-of-care ultrasound cleaning practices using targeted interventions: a pre-post study. Ultrasound J 2021; 13:43. [PMID: 34664118 PMCID: PMC8522855 DOI: 10.1186/s13089-021-00244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) devices are becoming more widely used in healthcare and have the potential to act as fomites. The objective of this project was to study the thoroughness of cleaning of POCUS machines before and after a quality improvement initiative. We designed a mixed-methods, pre/post study which took place over the course of one year at a university-affiliated health center. Cleaning rates of four ultrasound machines used by hospital medicine and critical care medicine services were evaluated using fluorescent marking. Interventions targeted physicians' knowledge of best practices and improved access to cleaning supplies. Pre- and post-intervention cleaning rates were compared using a generalized linear model. The impact of the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on baseline cleaning rates was also evaluated. Physicians' attitudes and knowledge of cleaning practices were evaluated via unpaired pre/post surveys. RESULTS There was significant improvement in thoroughness of cleaning following intervention (pre 0.62, SE 0.05; post 0.89, SE 0.07), p < 0.0001). There was no difference in baseline cleaning rates before (0.63, SE 0.09) and after (0.61, SE 0.1) the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.78). Post-intervention surveying found improved understanding of guideline-based cleaning practice, better performance on knowledge-based questions, and fewer reported barriers to machine cleaning. CONCLUSION Thoroughness of cleaning of POCUS machines can be improved with practical interventions that target knowledge and access to cleaning supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Van Kalsbeek
- Department of Internal Medicine, 982055 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-2055, USA.
| | - Karl Enroth
- Department of Internal Medicine, 982055 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-2055, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lyden
- Department of Biostatistics, 984375 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-4375, USA
| | - Mark E Rupp
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 985400 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-5400, USA
| | - Christopher J Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hospital Medicine, 986430 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6430, USA
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9
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The need for participation in the development and critical review of recommendations for infection control policies involving vascular ultrasound. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 9:1025-1030. [PMID: 33737261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently reported guidelines from the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography regarding disinfection of ultrasound probes and infection control policies for ultrasound procedures conflict with accepted clinical norms in vein practices and recommendations from the American Institute for Ultrasound in Medicine. We have provided a review of these conflicting policy recommendations and new proposed practice recommendations and a call for physicians who perform ultrasound-guided procedures to be involved in the process of development and critical review of societal recommendations.
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10
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Andolfo A, Maatoug R, Peiffer-Smadja N, Fayolle C, Blanckaert K. Emergency ward ultrasound: clinical audit on disinfection practices during routine and sterile examinations. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2021; 10:25. [PMID: 33516268 PMCID: PMC7847554 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-021-00896-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Context In the emergency ward, where the use of ultrasound is common (including for sterile procedures), ward equipment is constantly exposed to high risks of microbiological contamination. There are no clear guidelines for disinfection control practices in emergency departments, and it is not known how emergency ward doctors follow good hygiene practices. Method A multi-centre audit was conducted in 16 emergency services from Northern France regional hospitals, in form of a questionnaire. It was proposed to all emergency ward physicians. We excluded questionnaires when physicians mentioned that they did not use ultrasound on a daily basis. The questionnaire was designed using existing hygiene and ultrasound disinfection practices guidelines from varying French medical societies. It included three different clinical scenarios: (a) ultrasound on healthy skin, (b) on injured skin, and (c) ultrasound-guided punctures. All questions were closed-ended, with only one answer corresponding to the guidelines. We then calculated compliance rates for each question, each clinical situation, and an overall compliance rate for all the questions. Results 104 questionnaires were collected, and 19 were excluded. For the 85 analysed questionnaires, the compliance rates were 60.4% 95% CI [56.4–64.7] for ultrasound on healthy skin, 70.9% 95% CI [66.3–76.1] on injured skin and 69.4% 95% CI [65.1–73.6] for ultrasound-guided punctures. The overall compliance rate for the compliance questions was 66.1% 95% CI [62.8–69.1]. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed severe asepsis errors, misuse of gel, ignorance of infection control practices to be applied in the context of ultrasound-guided puncture and exposure of the probe to body fluids. Conclusion This study details areas for quality improvement in the disinfection of emergency ultrasound scanner use. Consequently, we propose a standardized protocol based upon the recommendations used for the questionnaire drafting, with a visual focus on the low compliance points that have been revealed in this audit. This protocol has been distributed to all the medical emergency services audited and included in the emergency resident’s ultrasound learning program.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Andolfo
- Service d'accueil des urgences/Structure mobile d'urgence et de reanimation, Centre Hospitalier de Dunkerque, 59140, Dunkirk, France.
| | - R Maatoug
- AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, Sorbonne Université, 75013, Paris, France
| | - N Peiffer-Smadja
- French Institute for Medical Research (Inserm), Infection Antimicrobials Modelling Evolution (IAME), UMR 1137, University Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare. Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - C Fayolle
- Service de Réanimation et Unité de Soins Continus, Centre Hospitalier de Dunkerque, 59140, Dunkirk, France
| | - K Blanckaert
- Centre d'appui et de prevention des infections associees aux soins (CPIAS) Pays de la Loire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, 44093, Nantes, France
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11
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Meng S. Collateral Effect of the Pandemic on Ultrasound. ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN (STUTTGART, GERMANY : 1980) 2020; 41:616-617. [PMID: 33291170 DOI: 10.1055/a-1271-2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
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12
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Wataganara T, Ruangvutilert P, Sunsaneevithayakul P, Sutantawibul A, Chuchotirot M, Phattanachindakun B, Russameecharoen K. Minimizing cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in obstetric ultrasound during COVID-19 pandemic. J Perinat Med 2020; 48:931-942. [PMID: 32681782 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2020-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated infection (COVID-19) is affecting populations worldwide. This statement may serve as guidance for infection prevention and safe ultrasound practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultrasound examination is a fundamental part of obstetric care, yet it is a potential vector for transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Decontamination methods should always be implemented for ultrasound equipment, especially in the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. There must be workflow policies to protect pregnant women and healthcare providers from nosocomial cross transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Cleaning and disinfecting of equipment must be in accordance with their potential of pathogen transmission. Consider using telemedicine and genetic technologies as an adjunctive of obstetric ultrasound to reduce patient crowding. Patient triage and education of healthcare providers of infection prevention are crucial to minimize cross contamination of SARS-CoV-2 during obstetric ultrasound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuangsit Wataganara
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornpimol Ruangvutilert
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prasert Sunsaneevithayakul
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anuwat Sutantawibul
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Monsak Chuchotirot
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Buraya Phattanachindakun
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kusol Russameecharoen
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Wessner CE, Nelson J, Mott S, Francesco M, Needleman L. A Sonographer’s Step-by-Step Approach for Preventing Transmission of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/8756479320959035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has greatly affected the way sonographers care for their patients. Sonography can be a useful imaging tool for surveillance and diagnosis of various conditions associated with COVID-19 patients or patients under investigation (PUIs). Currently, there are limited resources and protocols for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 from ultrasound equipment. Our institution has created a detailed protocol for scanning COVID-19 patients or PUIs to address this important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne E. Wessner
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - JoAnn Nelson
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah Mott
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Francesco
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laurence Needleman
- Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Abramowicz JS, Basseal JM. World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology Position Statement: How to Perform a Safe Ultrasound Examination and Clean Equipment in the Context of COVID-19. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:1821-1826. [PMID: 32327199 PMCID: PMC7129041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2020.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J S Abramowicz
- World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
| | - J M Basseal
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales Australia and Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Basseal JM, Collignon P. How do healthcare workers in diagnostic imaging minimise risks but maximise performance during the COVID-19 pandemic? Australas J Ultrasound Med 2020; 23:87-89. [PMID: 34760588 PMCID: PMC8411668 DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne M. Basseal
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases & ImmunologyFaculty of Medicine and HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Australasian Society for Ultrasound in MedicineSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Peter Collignon
- Microbiology, ACT PathologyThe Canberra HospitalCanberraACTAustralia
- Medical SchoolCanberraACTAustralia
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Costello C, Basseal JM, Yang Y, Anstey J, Yastrebov K. Prevention of pathogen transmission during ultrasound use in the Intensive Care Unit: Recommendations from the College of Intensive Care Medicine Ultrasound Special Interest Group (USIG). Australas J Ultrasound Med 2020; 23:103-110. [PMID: 34760589 PMCID: PMC8411769 DOI: 10.1002/ajum.12205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
ICU ultrasonography constitutes important part of modern car patient care. Current standards and practice of infection control and prevention are inadequate. This purpose of this document is to adapt and expand the 2017 Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention Control (ACIPC) guidelines on minimum standards for reprocessing/cleaning of ultrasound transducers to the specifics of intensive care medicine and provide advice to the ICU practitioners and health care administrators. It considers the medical, administrative, financial and practical controversies surrounding implementation, and addresses emerging issues of care for patients with confirmed or suspected Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jocelyne M Basseal
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases & ImmunologyFaculty of Health and MedicineThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of SurgeryUniversity of MelbourneAustralia Monash UniversityEastern Clinical SchoolMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - James Anstey
- Royal Melbourne HospitalParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Konstantin Yastrebov
- St George HospitalPrince of Wales HospitalUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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