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Stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology during the novel coronavirus outbreak: an experience from Hong Kong

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 2020-05, Vol.258 (5), p.1049-1055 [Peer Reviewed Journal]

Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020 ;2020. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the associated terms available at https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/campaigns/coronavirus ;Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020. ;ISSN: 0721-832X ;EISSN: 1435-702X ;DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04641-8 ;PMID: 32124000

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Title:
Stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology during the novel coronavirus outbreak: an experience from Hong Kong
Author: Lai, Tracy H. T. ; Tang, Emily W. H. ; Chau, Sandy K. Y. ; Fung, Kitty S. C. ; Li, Kenneth K. W.
Subjects: Aerosols ; Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Anesthesia ; Betacoronavirus ; Conjunctivitis ; Coronavirus Infections - epidemiology ; Coronavirus Infections - prevention & control ; Coronavirus Infections - transmission ; Coronaviruses ; COVID-19 ; Cross-infection ; Diarrhea ; Disease control ; Disease Outbreaks ; Disease transmission ; Disinfection ; Endoscopy ; Eye Diseases ; Fever ; Hong Kong ; Humans ; Infections ; Medical personnel ; Medicine ; Medicine & Public Health ; Miscellaneous ; Ophthalmology ; Ophthalmology - instrumentation ; Outbreaks ; Pandemics ; Pandemics - prevention & control ; Personal protective equipment ; Pneumonia, Viral - epidemiology ; Pneumonia, Viral - prevention & control ; Pneumonia, Viral - transmission ; Respiratory tract diseases ; Risk assessment ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Triage ; Vomiting
Is Part Of: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 2020-05, Vol.258 (5), p.1049-1055
Description: 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.
Publisher: Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Language: English
Identifier: ISSN: 0721-832X
EISSN: 1435-702X
DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04641-8
PMID: 32124000
Source: Coronavirus Research Database

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Stepping up infection control measures in ophthalmology during the novel coronavirus outbreak: an experience from Hong Kong

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