The impact of the coronavirus on medicine
Nowadays, access to Healthcare Services is difficult due to the expansion of the Coronavirus. The majority of doctors from public hospitals are busy dealing with infected people. Some of these facilities no longer take patients because of staff shortages. But there are many diseases that cannot wait until the end of the epidemic. Patients have to be examined despite the risk.
Heart disease is the most common cause of death in the world according to WHO research. Cardiologists have to constantly keep an eye on their patients and carry out ECG examinations. There are many solutions to provide safety to both doctors and patients during the Coronavirus epidemic.
How can patients stay safe?
People with heart issues can attend a cardiologist via teleconference. The doctor then has a chance to make a diagnosis without any physical contact and postpone the visit. Patients who need to be examined should leave the house wearing clean clothes and go directly to the health centre. Contact with other people ought to be minimized. Prevention starts in the hospital reception, where patients wait for their appointment. They have to keep at least a 2m distance from other people. People who have a cough must wear a mask. Before entering the consulting room, patients should wash their hands. It is important to inform the doctor of any suspicious symptoms like cough, fever or pain in the chest. Telling the truth is critical.
How can doctors provide safety?
Doctors have the most exposure to the Coronavirus. They meet many people every day and they never know if those people are infected. Doctors can protect themselves by using masks and gloves, which should be changed often. They should keep their distance and be careful during an examination. The most important thing is to interview patients before their visit. They must inform the doctor about suspicious symptoms or potential contact with infected people.
Disinfection of equipment
Visiting the cardiologist involves direct contact, so it is important to clean the equipment after every examination. The medical devices should be disinfected with substances containing isopropyl alcohol because acids and detergents might cause damage. Electrodes have to be thrown away. Technicians who take care of cleaning have to wear the appropriate gowns, gloves and masks. They must check if the device is off and, in some cases, that the battery is not inside. Then they have to sprinkle the substance all over the equipment and then remove the liquid carefully with a paper towel. The same procedures are necessary for all the wires and wire ends. After this, technicians have to dry the device with paper towels. Attention should be paid to the connector because a lot of liquid can lead to damage. The pocket for the Holter ought to be cleaned as well. It has to be sprinkled with the substance and wiped with paper towels on the outside and the inside. Then it should be left to dry. After disinfection, every device should be packed and left in a safe, inaccessible place. Towels, gowns, gloves and masks which have been used should be disposed of safely as they might have traces of the virus on them.