https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy Public Health Informatics en-us 2022-01-04 20:22:30 UTC 2025-11-25 16:46:23 UTC hello@padlet.com danielj241 https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1985220848  I work in the Pre-surgery Care Clinic providing preop care and am extensively involved in providing preop clearance to surgical patients. The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic means that a significant number of patients who had SARS-CoV-2 will require surgery. The multisystem involvement primarily the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems has created additional challenges. Given the short-term and long-term consequences, the timing of surgery needs careful consideration. It also must take into account the severity of the initial infection; ongoing symptoms of COVID-19; comorbidity and functional status; and complexity of the surgery. The consensus after systematic review and expert opinion is to defer surgery for seven weeks from the time of a known COVID-19 diagnosis. For adults who are immuno-compromised, diabetic, or have a history of hospitalization should be deferred eight to 10 weeks after diagnosis. Those with a history of intensive care hospitalization should be deferred 12 weeks. If the risks of deferring surgery outweigh the risk of postoperative morbidity or mortality associated with COVID-19 then surgery must take place. ]]> 2022-01-11 04:01:43 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1985220848 fordyce24 https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1987418469 Did you know there's now been more than 313 million total cases of Covid-19 since the pandemic began? I chose the John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center & Map because, in addition to giving HCP real-time infectivity and vaccination rates, I think it gives a nice reminder and visualization to us all of how Covid-19 is truly a global problem that needs global cooperation and treatment. While we're fortunate in the US that we're able to develop effective vaccines with new state-of-the-art technology, it's disappointing that these vaccines are disproportionately shared or sold to wealthier nations while developing and poorer nations continue to struggle with vaccine and Covid-19 treatment access. By scrolling on the John Hopkins map (bottom right), one can easily see the continent of Africa is vastly under-immunized compared to other continents. If there's anything that Omicron taught us, it's that we'll likely continue to see more infectious variants develop until we realize that developing countries have to be included equally in vaccine availability and our Covid-19 response. I hope in the future countries will agree to have more of a coordinated effort to minimize Covid-19 variants and decrease our risk of future pandemics. If I could dream--I'd hope that maybe one day when Covid-19 is controlled, countries would agree to give the WHO more authority and regulatory powers in order to help us ensure the risks and consequences of future pandemics are minimized and treatment is more equitable. ]]> 2022-01-12 03:46:50 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1987418469 neeley241 https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989109196 I chose this article as I currently work inpatient as a COVID Nurse and have the pleasure to float to the emergency department one night. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital I work at was overstaffed and seemed prepared for high numbers of patients. The increase in COVID-19 cases and new variants are currently overrunning the hospital. The increase in patient numbers and decrease in staff calls for a new look at how we can utilize technology to provide care to the community. This article highlights how clinical informatics aided in clinical decision making, virtualizing medical care, coordinated communication, and defined workflow and compliance during a hospital’s response to rapid COVID-19 cases. While this article highlights clinical informatics the information is relevant to public health as it will assist in the effective tracking of COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, as we progress through the continuance of the pandemic, innovative ways must continue to be implemented to ease the throughput of the healthcare system.  ]]> 2022-01-12 20:41:50 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989109196 https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989117592 According to CDC, only 31% of pregnant people in the United States were vaccinated against COVID-19 back in September, 2021. Although there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility issues or pregnancy complications, many pregnant people are still reluctant to get vaccinated. On the other hand, COVID-19 severe illness can cause dangerous health situations in pregnant people and they are included in the "increased risk" category for severe COVID-19. I found the rate of vaccination among pregnant people startling and chose to look up where the latest clinical guidance is. I decided to share the website for The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). They are a professional membership organization for Obstetricians and Gynecologists and provide up-to-date information and clinical practice guidelines. With regard to COVID-19, ACOG provides a wealth of information on updated practice guidelines for COVID-19, vaccination, and resources for patients. I appreciate their tools and resources for conversation prompts and communication techniques aiming to alleviate vaccine confusion for patients.]]> 2022-01-12 20:47:54 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989117592 CHennelly https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989227387 Recent projections from OHSU anticipate the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations to peak on 1/27/22 (see p. 24). Local hospitals benefit from OHSU’s projections because they can use the data to inform their planning and preparations. For example, hospitals may preemptively cancel elective surgeries or rearrange units to create additional space for COVID-19 patients.  Not only does the COVID-19 information from OHSU help other healthcare systems, but it can also help the general public. I have been using the projections to make personal decisions. 
Understanding the risk for contracting COVID-19 is greatest over the next few weeks, my husband and I have majorly restricted our social gatherings.  In addition, I received a booster the same day I became eligible to be fully protected before the peak.    ]]> 2022-01-12 22:35:35 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1989227387 mariagusenkov https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1991257770 COVID-19 vaccine misinformation persists in Oregon, as well as the resistance to vaccinate. According to the CDC, 33.1% of the state's population is currently unvaccinated as the omicron variant has yet to reach its' predicted peak later this month. 
This CDC website provides tools for clinicians to address misinformation that is prevalent in our communities in a clear, concise way.
I like that the recommendations can be customized to address any flavor of misinformation out there, as we all know that the internet provides a buffet for paranoia to feast on. 
I chose this public health resource because of it's value in addressing misinformation in my own community. I am part of a large Russian network both here in Portland and in the Bay Area in California. The Slavic community has a long history with vaccine defiance and misinformation. It was the epicenter of the 2019 measles outbreak in Vancouver, WA, and remains the least vaccinated patient population in Washington state. 
Russian-speaking clinicians are at an advantage that just by virtue of speaking the language, they acquire the trust of the community. However, I have been seeing a rising hostility towards all clinicians, with practitioners being called traitors, liars, and even killers (I have been called all three multiple times). 
Tools such as these provided in the article help clinicians stay on topic and provide factual recommendations.]]> 2022-01-13 21:21:31 UTC https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1991257770 hotyfx https://padlet.com/drscanlonUP/vuaybp6v8xcbjoxy/wish/1993133368 I chose this article because of its relevance to our current healthcare systems and the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic has spawned healthcare crises including insurance coverage, financial loss, racial disparities, and crisis in public health. The pandemic has significantly undermined health insurance coverage in the United States. A sudden surge in unemployment — exceeding 20 million workers — has caused many Americans to lose employer-sponsored insurance. A recent Commonwealth Fund survey showed that 40% of respondents or their spouse or partner who lost a job or were furloughed had insurance through the job that was lost. Most people rely on employment-sponsored insurance, and when pandemics affect employment, insurance coverage becomes difficult and impossible. The article explained the design of the Affordable Care Act has helped people get coverage, although during pandemics people are not educated on time as their eligibility to the ACA marketplaces. Covid-19 has increased demand for specialized acute care that has overtaxed some hospitals and imposed unexpected costs on many more. On the other hand, precipitous declines in demand for routine services have reduced providers’ revenue. Black persons account for 20% of Covid-19 cases and more than 22% of Covid-19 deaths, as of July 22, 2020. Hispanic persons account for almost 33% of new cases nationwide. People of color are more affected by non-medical threats such as food, place of living, and cost of living. This article addresses opportunities we as providers can do to reform and change our healthcare services, address racial and ethnic disparities, and secure the finances of the healthcare system.  

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