Iproceedings

Multi-transfused patients (MTPs) are at higher risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) due to their frequent need for blood transfusion. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence of TTIs among MTPs and its associated factors in Yemen.

On April 2, 2020, the Field Epidemiology Training Program was asked by a diabetes mellitus center, Facility A, in Al-Ahsa to investigate a confirmed case of COVID-19 in a health care worker. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for serious complications from COVID-19.

Dermatology has been proven to be well suited for store-and-forward telemedicine triaging. With the reduced cost of computer power and readily available deep convolutional neural networks, using the digital images collected with store-and-forward, machine learning has made it possible to create artificial intelligence (AI) models. The AI models can analyze new digital images taken with a smartphone camera and return reliable dermatology outputs within seconds.

Skin diseases affect 2.3 billion people globally. Due to the scarcity of dermatologists, 2 in 3 cases are seen by primary care physicians (PCPs), who have lower diagnostic accuracy. Published studies have shown that the diagnostic accuracy of a PCP or general practitioner is close to 50%.

Following the international spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 pandemic, the Iraqi government took several steps to prevent community transmission, including the indefinite closure of schools as a measure to safeguard schoolchildren from COVID-19. The key rationale behind these decisions was the insufficient preparedness level within schools to prevent infection and the lack of appropriate vaccines for children.

The use of teledermatology has been evolving slowly for the delivery of health care to remote and underserved populations. Advancements in technology and the recent COVID-19 pandemic have hastened its use internationally.

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a noninvasive tool that is used to diagnose skin cancers. However, RCM requires an expert consultation, which is often performed via store-and-forward (SAF) teledermatology. Unfortunately, SAF does not mimic bedside diagnosis, nor permits interaction between the remote expert reader, physician, and patient. Recently, a live interactive method (LIM)–tele-RCM approach was shown to diagnose basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from a remote location, demonstrating advantages over SAF by providing a bedside diagnosis during consultation.

The International Dermoscopy Society (IDS) conducted an online survey to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the daily practice of dermatologists working with patients with skin cancer, to collect data regarding the frequency of skin manifestations noticed by the members, and to obtain information about the use of teledermatology during the pandemic.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global phenomenon; however, its link to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) remains underexplored, particularly in health care facilities where humanitarian crises prevail.

A number of studies have shown promising performance of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for diagnosis of lesions in skin cancer. To date, none of these have assessed algorithm performance in the real-world setting.

In Scotland, dermatology outpatient services deliver over 300,000 appointments each year. With a significant growth in both new and return attendances, there is an increasing drive for innovative transformation. In response to this challenge, a Digital Dermatology Asynchronous (DDA) consultation platform was co-developed with two National Health Service Dermatology teams. Roll-out of the platform was accelerated during Scotland’s initial COVID-19 lockdown and its wider scope was prospectively evaluated.

The SARS-CoV-2 infection produces detectable immune responses in most cases reported to date. A serological test could capture previous asymptomatic infections and help to assess the immune status of a subject. Health care workers are highly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, and providing personal protective equipment is the primary strategy to prevent disease transmission within the health care setting.