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Merrick R, McKerr C, Song J, Donnelly K, Gerrard R, Morgan M, Williams C, Craine N. Transferring inpatients between wards drives large nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks, Wales, 2020-22: a matched case-control study using routine and enhanced surveillance data. J Hosp Infect 2024; 145:1-10. [PMID: 38081454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.11.014] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the hospital environment in the spread of COVID-19 is unclear. AIM To measure associations between ward characteristics and outbreak size to inform mitigations. METHODS Wards with large (case wards) and small (control wards) outbreaks in three acute hospitals were compared. Cases were healthcare-associated COVID-19 inpatients (positive polymerase chain reaction test ≥8 days post admission). Case wards were adult medical/surgical wards with ≥10 cases within rolling 14-day periods, between April 1st, 2020 and April 30th, 2022. Control wards were equivalents with 2-9 cases. Demographic and laboratory data were extracted from routine surveillance systems. Continuous data were aggregated fortnightly and analysed as binary variables according to median values. Each case ward was compared with two control wards matched on outbreak start date (±14 days) to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using univariable and conditional multivariable logistic regression. FINDINGS From 170 outbreaks (median: 5 cases; interquartile range: 2-9), 35 case wards were identified. Community admissions were lower in case wards vs control wards (5 vs 10 median admissions; P<0.01, respectively), whereas transfers between wards within the same hospital were higher (58 vs 29 median transfers; P<0.01, respectively). Wards with more transfers in the preceding fortnight were significantly more likely to experience a large outbreak (≥35 vs <35 transfers; adjusted OR: 9.08; 95% CI: 2.5-33). CONCLUSION We recommend safely minimizing patient movements, such as by asking clinicians to record the rationale for transfer, to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Merrick
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme (UKFETP), UK Health Security Agency, UK; Public Health Wales, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - M Morgan
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme (UKFETP), UK Health Security Agency, UK; Public Health Wales, UK
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Zhao YJ, Zhang L, Feng Y, Sha S, Lam MI, Wang YY, Li JX, Su Z, Cheung T, Ungvari GS, Jackson T, An FR, Xiang YT. Prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: a network perspective. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1139742. [PMID: 37252144 PMCID: PMC10213336 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1139742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected treatment-seeking behaviors of psychiatric patients and their guardians. Barriers to access of mental health services may contribute to adverse mental health consequences, not only for psychiatric patients, but also for their guardians. This study explored the prevalence of depression and its association with quality of life among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in China. Symptoms of depression and anxiety, fatigue level and quality of life (QOL) of guardians were measured with validated Chinese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale - 7 (GAD-7), fatigue numeric rating scale (FNRS), and the first two items of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Independent correlates of depression were evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare global QOL of depressed versus non-depressed guardians. The network structure of depressive symptoms among guardians was constructed using an extended Bayesian Information Criterion (EBIC) model. Results The prevalence of depression among guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients was 32.4% (95% CI: 29.7-35.2%). GAD-7 total scores (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.8-2.1) and fatigue (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.4) were positively correlated with depression among guardians. After controlling for significant correlates of depression, depressed guardians had lower QOL than non-depressed peers did [F(1, 1,101) = 29.24, p < 0.001]. "Loss of energy" (item 4 of the PHQ-9), "concentration difficulties" (item 7 of the PHQ-9) and "sad mood" (item 2 of the PHQ-9) were the most central symptoms in the network model of depression for guardians. Conclusion About one third of guardians of hospitalized psychiatric patients reported depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poorer QOL was related to having depression in this sample. In light of their emergence as key central symptoms, "loss of energy," "concentration problems," and "sad mood" are potentially useful targets for mental health services designed to support caregivers of psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jie Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Sha
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Ieng Lam
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau, Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yue-Ying Wang
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jia-Xin Li
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhaohui Su
- School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Teris Cheung
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gabor S. Ungvari
- Section of Psychiatry, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Todd Jackson
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Feng-Rong An
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital and the Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tao Xiang
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Public Health and Medicinal Administration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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Scendoni R, Fedeli P, Cingolani M. The Network of Services for COVID-19 Vaccination in Persons With Mental Disorders: The Italian Social Health System, Its Organization, and Bioethical Issues. Front Public Health 2022; 10:870386. [PMID: 35795707 PMCID: PMC9252269 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.870386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoption of restrictive measures aimed at curtailing the spread of SARS-CoV2 has had a harmful impact on socio-affective relationships, while limiting the scope of interventions and activities to promote social inclusion, with considerable negative repercussions for patients with mental disorders. Vaccination has been and will continue to be a valid tool to overcome the barriers of social isolation and to protect the health of this category of patients. In this paper we present an overview of the Italian network of social and healthcare services for COVID-19 vaccination among patients with mental disorders. Some aspects of medical ethics are discussed in order to share good practices for improving the health of this vulnerable group of people. We then consider the measures implemented by the health system in Italy to deal with the phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy before addressing the issue of autonomy and restricted access to vaccination points. Finally, we illustrate some of the perspectives already adopted by the Italian system, which may be useful to the global scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Scendoni
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
- *Correspondence: Roberto Scendoni
| | | | - Mariano Cingolani
- Department of Law, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
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