4 Recent Research Articles Examine N95 Respirator Mask Sterilization Methods
N95 respirator masks, which filter at least 95% of 0.3-μm particles, are the gold standard for protection against airborne pathogens such as the novel coronavirus. To conserve supplies of N95 respirator masks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the masks be used by healthcare workers at highest risk of contracting infection or experiencing complications of infection.
HHS Makes COVID-19 Data Reporting a Medicare CoP as of 9/2
The interim rule, which was pre-published for public inspection late Thursday, says the data must be reported daily as specified by HHS and points to a July FAQ for the current list of information sets that must be reported.
PSQH: The Podcast Episode 10 – Emergency Management and COVID-19
On episode 10 of PSQH: The Podcast, host Jay Kumar talks to Brad Gair, senior managing director, Witt O’Brien’s, about emergency management and lessons learned from COVID-19.
Been Through a Disaster? There is Help for Recovery
If you are affiliated with a state, tribal, territorial or local government operation, or are a non-profit providing critical healthcare services in a declared disaster area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a public assistance program ready to help.
Prognosis for Rural Hospitals Worsens With Pandemic
Eighteen rural hospitals closed last year and the first three months of 2020 were “really big months,” said Mark Holmes, director of the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Many of the losses are in Southern states like Florida and Texas. More than 170 rural hospitals have closed nationwide since 2005, according to data collected by the Sheps Center.
NSC Says COVID-19 May Become Third Leading Cause of Death in U.S.
The number of deaths from COVID-19 this year already has surpassed the number of preventable deaths in calendar year 2018. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 currently is widespread in most U.S. communities and considered a workplace hazard.
Self-Assessment Tool Helps Physicians Make ‘Preemptive Strike on Burnout’
The Personal Health Inventory self-assessment for healthcare workers has been adapted from what clinicians are trained to do with patients who have chronic disease to have the patients focus on their self-care and lifestyle for the management of their chronic illnesses.
Coronavirus: There are Viable Alternatives to New N95 Masks, Research Shows
The new research, which was published by JAMA Internal Medicine, tested the fitted filtration efficiency of 29 fitted facemasks. The fitted facemasks included N95 respirator masks, surgical masks with ties, and procedure masks with ear loops.
CMS Encourages State Agencies to Resume Surveys
Throughout the memo, CMS notes that surveys should resume primarily in areas that have entered the White House’s Phase 3 of reopening—which can vary from region to region—and that individual facilities can ask for delays if they are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Many surveys may still focus primarily on infection control and conditions that pose an immediate jeopardy to patients or staff, as they have throughout the PHE.
Telehealth Visits Skyrocket Among Americans Aged 50-80
Nearly half of those who had a telehealth visit said their healthcare provider canceled or rescheduled an in-person visit between March and June, and 30% said that a virtual visit was the only option when they called to schedule an appointment.