Webinar on protecting Doctors dealing with Covid

Webinar on protecting Doctors dealing with Covid

ET HealthWorld – Webinar on Protecting Doctors and healthcare professionals treating covid-19

23^rd April 2020 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm IST

I participated in this webinar organized by Economic Times Health World. Dr Sushila Kataria from Mediciti, Dr Raman Kumar of Academy of Family Physicians, Dr Ravi Badge NHS, UK Consultant, Dr MR Rajagopal of Pallium India and Dr Minimole Varghese of Fortis Hospital were the panelists.

They spoke on how they protect themselves and others from several points. Some points are noted:

·         They compulsorily have “head to toe” shower before they start work.

·         They follow guidelines for PPE and masks and other products

·         There is a mask cleaning equipment for re-using masks for 4 to 5 days

·         111 is the national helpline number

·         They treat EVERY visitor to hospital like a patient as many are asymptomatic

·         They have six hours shift as they cannot leave for toilet coffee etc in between once they wear PPE

·         Wearing PPE is very cumbersome and hard to work with

·         Family Physicians prefer to offer e-consultancy

·         MCI has now approved e-consultancy

·         Doctors try to minimize presence of people in ICU.

·         Emergency area. ICU, High risk area etc have different check lists guidelines

·         Fresh guidelines for covid have come up everywhere

·         Covid19 has taught people to be 100% compliant

·         Hand hygiene has improved everywhere

·         Next month is likely to be very critical

·         Separate doffing areas for different classes of people

·         Both wearing and removing masks / ppe etc are critical - skills and practice are needed

Although many hundreds participated as listeners – all our microphones were muted – there did not appear to be any questions public or participants. I thought they would discuss the issue of public / patients misbehaving with healthcare professionals and seek some remedies. There was an anchor / moderator who was asking questions by turns to panelist – we could not get to see him! The webinar was useful in knowing problems faced by medical fraternity and how they are handling them.  Useful indeed as it helped me to appreciate their concerns.