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Capitalising on Crises: How VRWEs Exploit the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lessons for P/CVE
From the Document: "The main goal of this paper is to identify the main manifestations and threats connected with the exploitation of the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. This paper firstly deals with a general assessment of crisis as opportunities for RWE/VRWE. Secondly, the most important manifestations of RWE/VRWE [right-wing extremism/violent right-wing extremism] in a global scope and especially in the EU during the recent corona-crisis are described and analysed as are briefly predicted possible future 'black scenarios' of VRWE in close connection to the propagandist narratives and tools of RWE. Thirdly, the issues of P/CVE [preventing and countering violent extremism] are discussed and, fourthly, basic recommendations for practitioners and policymakers are formulated[.] [...] The paper is based on data and categorisations that are included in policy papers, first scientific articles on this topic, media sources, reports of governmental institutions and international organisations, primary sources from the RWE milieu and security forces, and, in a limited scope, also on observation of several protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic by the author of this paper. A simple analysis of risks and threats and forecasting approaches (exploration of contemporary trends) are used. [...] The paper also covers only a part of the development of the issue and can serve as a source for future research and P/CVE activities. Mainly the potential economic crisis and the results of increasing societal polarisation in the wake of the recent corona-crisis will create new opportunities for RWE/VRWE."
European Commission; RAN Centre of Excellence
Mareš, Miroslav, 1974-
2021
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Emergency Relief Funds: Significant Improvements Are Needed to Ensure Transparency and Accountability for COVID-19 and Beyond, Statement of Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, United States Senate
From the Highlights: "During emergencies, federal agencies must get relief funds out quickly while ensuring appropriate financial safeguards are in place. GAO [Government Accountability Office] noted early in the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic that agencies gave priority to swiftly distributing funds and implementing new programs; however, tradeoffs were made that limited progress in achieving transparency and accountability goals. As of January 31, 2022 (the most recent data available), the federal government had obligated $4.2 trillion and expended $3.6 trillion, 90 percent and 79 percent, respectively, of the $4.6 trillion in funds from six COVID-19 relief laws. This testimony focuses on GAO's assessment of (1) federal agencies' application of fundamental internal controls and financial and fraud risk management practices for COVID-19 spending, and (2) opportunities for Congress to improve these practices during emergencies and national crises. GAO reviewed its COVID-19 findings on internal controls and financial and fraud risk management practices. GAO compared those findings to fundamental practices for internal control, financial management, and fraud risk management."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Dodaro, Gene L.
2022-03-17
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Management Advisory Regarding Results from Research for Future Audits and Evaluations Related to the Effects of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus on DoD Operations
From the DoD Cares Act Funds: "The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, and on March 13, 2020, the President declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted on March 27, 2020, the DoD received $10.6 billion in funding to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, domestically and internationally. [...] The rest of the report discusses the DoD's use of the CARES Act funds and areas of concern over the reporting status of DoD's CARES Act funds."
United States. Department of Defense. Office of the Inspector General
2022-01-19
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Indian Health Service Use of Critical Care Response Teams Has Helped to Meet Facility Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the Report in Brief: "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious, sometimes fatal, disease that has disproportionately affected American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs). The Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal health care facilities are the main health care providers for the AI/AN population. Prior OIG [Office of Inspector General] work found that IHS facilities often lacked sufficient staff and had limited access to clinical specialists, as well as finding other quality-of-care concerns. One recent IHS effort to address staffing and quality concerns is its development of Critical Care Response Teams (CCRTs) to support IHS and Tribal facilities in caring for critically ill COVID-19 patients. This study examines IHS's first five deployments of the CCRTs, which provided services to six IHS facilities and three Tribal facilities from June through September 2020."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of Inspector General
Murrin, Suzanne
2021-09
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Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program Phase III Fraud Controls
From the Introduction: "The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) is responsible for conducting oversight of pandemic-related funds and preventing and detecting fraud. We conducted this project -- in coordination with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) -- to examine antifraud controls used by the SBA in its Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to prevent the types of fraud that the SBA experienced with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). [...] To gain insight into the effectiveness of these controls, we initiated a limited scope evaluation on April 29, 2021, to examine whether Phase III PPP controls would have likely detected the fraud identified in PPP criminal cases. This report includes a discussion of the SBA's PPP controls and an evaluation of whether any fraud risks remain that would require additional controls to prevent or detect the earlier fraud found in PPP criminal cases." This document includes charts, tables, and graphs to illustrate the text.
Pandemic Response Accountability Committee
2022-01-21
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Evaluation of SBA's Coronavirus Reconstitution Plan
From the Executive Summary: "We evaluated actions the Small Business Administration (SBA) took to responsibly return employees, contractors, and visitors to SBA offices. Our objectives were to determine (1) whether the agency established a COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] reconstitution plan in accordance with applicable federal guidance and (2) if the agency adhered to that plan. [...] We recommend SBA enforce the requirements of the February 2021 COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan by consistently applying procedures for occupancy and exposure tracking and accurately record and maintain supporting documentation for all reported COVID-19 cases."
United States. Small Business Administration. Office of the Inspector General
2021-07-12
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SBA's Oversight of the Grant Recipient's Implementation of the Cares Act Resource Partners Training Portal
From the Executive Summary: "Our objective was to determine whether SBA [Small Business Administration] provided effective oversight to ensure the portal was implemented in accordance with CARES [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act and grant requirements. To meet our objective, we reviewed applicable legislation and federal regulations, as well as SBA's grant management policies and oversight procedures. We also reviewed the funding opportunity announcement, notice of award, and the grant recipient's technical proposal. Finally, we interviewed program officials and the grant recipient. [...] We found SBA ensured the grant recipient developed and launched the hub on schedule, the hub functioned properly and met the technical requirements for federal websites. However, SBA did not ensure the grant recipient developed and implemented an effective marketing and outreach strategy to ensure the hub successfully achieved the legislative purpose of the CARES Act. In addition, neither SBA nor the grant recipient set targets for any of the performance goals."
United States. Small Business Administration. Office of the Inspector General
2022-01-18
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Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds: Overview of the Final Rule
From the Document: "'The Overview of the Final Rule provides a summary of major provisions of the final rule for informational purposes and is intended as a brief, simplified user guide to the final rule provisions.' The descriptions provided in this document summarize key provisions of the final rule but are non-exhaustive, do not describe all terms and conditions associated with the use of SLFRF [State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds], and do not describe all requirements that may apply to this funding. Any SLFRF funds received are also subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement entered into by Treasury and the respective jurisdiction, which incorporate the provisions of the final rule and the guidance that implements this program."
United States. Department of the Treasury
2022-01
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Review of State Plans for Use of Governor's Emergency Education Relief Funds
From the Document: "The objectives of our review were to review States' initial 45-day GEER [Governor's Emergency Education Relief] Fund reports to determine how States plan to allocate funds to entities within the three authorized categories: local educational agencies (LEA), institutions of higher education (IHE), and education-related entities, and the criteria upon which these decisions were based; and review GEER Fund annual reports to identify changes to and progress made from the initial plans in the 45-day reports. To accomplish our objective, we reviewed plans submitted by each of the 50 States, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, to determine how they planned to allocate funds to entities within the three authorized categories and the criteria upon which these decisions were based. [...] The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. It authorized more than $2 trillion to battle Coronavirus Disease 2019 (coronavirus) and its economic effects. The CARES Act provided approximately $31 billion for an Education Stabilization Fund to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus, domestically or internationally. The Education Stabilization Fund is composed of three primary emergency relief funds: a GEER Fund, an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, and a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund."
United States. Department of Education. Office of Inspector General
2021-12-20
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Misinformation of COVID-19 on the Internet: Infodemiology Study
From the Abstract: "The internet has become an important source of health information for users worldwide. The novel coronavirus caused a pandemic search for information with broad dissemination of false or misleading health information. [...] The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which was a trending topic on the internet, using validated instruments and relating the quality of information to its readability. [...] Nonhealth personnel and the scientific community need to be aware about the quality of the information they read and produce, respectively. The Wuhan coronavirus health crisis misinformation was produced by the media, and the misinformation was obtained by users from the internet. The use of the internet has a risk to public health, and, in cases like this, the governments should be developing strategies to regulate health information on the internet without censuring the population. By February 6, 2020, no quality information was available on the internet about COVID-19." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18444/].
JMIR Publications
Cuan-Baltazar, Jose Yunam; Muñoz-Perez, Maria José; Robledo-Vega, Carolina . . .
2020-04-02
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Global Preparedness Against COVID-19: We Must Leverage the Power of Digital Health
From the Abstract: "The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has revealed many areas of public health preparedness that are lacking, especially in lower- and middle-income countries. Digital interventions provide many opportunities for strengthening health systems and could be vital resources in the current public health emergency. We provide several use cases for infection control, home-based diagnosis and screening, empowerment through information, public health surveillance and epidemiology, and leveraging crowd-sourced data. A thoughtful, concerted effort--leveraging existing experience and robust enterprise-grade technologies--can have a substantive impact on the immediate and distal consequences of COVID-19." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18980/].
JMIR Publications
Mahmood, Sultan; Hasan, Khaled; Carras, Michelle Colder . . .
2020-04-16
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Dentists' Awareness, Perception, and Attitude Regarding COVID-19 and Infection Control: Cross-Sectional Study Among Jordanian Dentists
From the Abstract: "Despite the availability of prevention guidelines and recommendations on infection control, many dental practices lack the minimum requirements for infection control. [...] This study aimed to assess the level of awareness, perception, and attitude regarding the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and infection control among Jordanian dentists. [...] The study population consisted of dentists who worked in private clinics, hospitals, and health centers in Jordan. An online questionnaire was sent to a sample of Jordanian dentists in March 2020. The questionnaire was comprised of a series of questions about dentists' demographic characteristics; their awareness of the incubation period, the symptoms of the disease, mode of transmission of COVID-19 and infection control measures for preventing COVID-19; and their attitude toward treating patients with COVID-19. [...] Jordanian dentists were aware of COVID-19 symptoms, mode of transmission, and infection controls and measures in dental clinics. However, dentists had limited comprehension of the extra precautionary measures that protect the dental staff and other patients from COVID-19. National and international guidelines should be sent by the regional and national dental associations to all registered dentists during a crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure that dentists are well informed and aware of best practices and recommended disease management approaches." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18798/].
JMIR Publications
Khader, Yousef Saleh; Al-Nsour, Mohannad; Bashier, Haitham . . .
2020-04-09
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Mobile Health Platform to Disseminate Validated Institutional Measurements During the COVID-19 Outbreak: Utilization-Focused Evaluation Study
From the Abstract: "As part of the response plans for the current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), authorities are drafting and implementing containment measures across jurisdictions worldwide in the effort to slow down transmission and reduce the infection rate. A solid communication strategy is needed to increase the reach of valid information to health professionals, reduce misinformation, and efficiently implement recommended measures. [...] The aim of this paper is to describe the utilization of a dedicated mobile health (mHealth) platform to disseminate up-to-date and validated information about SARS-CoV-2 to all medical staff of the Children's Hospital at the University Hospitals of Geneva. [...] Three documents containing institutional information concerning screening, local containment procedures, and frequently asked questions and answers for parents were made available to the staff through a mobile app developed in the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Using a third-party statistics tool, we anonymously monitored user activity as well as content utilization patterns since the diagnosis of the first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland on February 25, 2020. [...] The use of an mHealth solution to disseminate novel coronavirus-related information seemed to be an effective and time-saving communication channel within our institution during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Medical staff felt reassured and informed in daily practice. More research should be done on the clinical impact and outcomes of the integration of mHealth solutions as a communication channel of validated information within health institutions." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18668/].
JMIR Publications
Zamberg, Ido; Manzano, Sergio; Posfay-Barbe, Klara . . .
2020-04-12
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Interpreting COVID-19 and Virtual Care Trends: Cohort Study
From the Abstract: "The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly spreading across the world. As of March 26, 2020, there are more than 500,000 cases and more than 25,000 deaths related to COVID-19, and the numbers are increasing by the hour. [...] The aim of this study was to explore the trends in confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina, and to understand patterns in virtual visits related to symptoms of COVID-19. [...] We conducted a cohort study of confirmed COVID-19 cases and patients using an on-demand, statewide virtual urgent care center. We collected data from February 1, 2020, to March 15, 2020. Institutional Review Board exemption was obtained prior to the study. [...] The use of virtual care presents promising potential in the fight against COVID-19. Virtual care is capable of reducing emergency room visits, conserving health care resources, and avoiding the spread of COVID-19 by treating patients remotely. We call for further adoption of virtual care by health systems across the United States and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18811/].
JMIR Publications
Khairat, Saif; Meng, Chenlu; Xu, Yuxuan . . .
2020-04-15
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Predicting COVID-19 Incidence Through Analysis of Google Trends Data in Iran: Data Mining and Deep Learning Pilot Study
From the Abstract: "The recent global outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting many countries worldwide. Iran is one of the top 10 most affected countries. Search engines provide useful data from populations, and these data might be useful to analyze epidemics. Utilizing data mining methods on electronic resources' data might provide a better insight into the COVID-19 outbreak to manage the health crisis in each country and worldwide. [...] This study aimed to predict the incidence of COVID-19 in Iran. [...] Data were obtained from the Google Trends website. Linear regression and long short-term memory (LSTM) models were used to estimate the number of positive COVID-19 cases. All models were evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation, and root mean square error (RMSE) was used as the performance metric. [...] The linear regression model predicted the incidence with an RMSE of 7.562 (SD 6.492). The most effective factors besides previous day incidence included the search frequency of handwashing, hand sanitizer, and antiseptic topics. The RMSE of the LSTM model was 27.187 (SD 20.705). [...] Data mining algorithms can be employed to predict trends of outbreaks. This prediction might support policymakers and health care managers to plan and allocate health care resources accordingly." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18828/].
JMIR Publications
Ayyoubzadeh, Seyed Mohammad; Ayyoubzadeh, Seyed Mehdi; Zahedi, Hoda . . .
2020-04-14
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Using Open-Source Intelligence to Detect Early Signals of COVID-19 in China: Descriptive Study
From the Abstract: "The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in China was first reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 31, 2019, and the first cases were officially identified around December 8, 2019. Although the origin of COVID-19 has not been confirmed, approximately half of the early cases were linked to a seafood market in Wuhan. However, the first two documented patients did not visit the seafood market. News reports, social media, and informal sources may provide information about outbreaks prior to formal notification. [...] The aim of this study was to identify early signals of pneumonia or severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in China prior to official recognition of the COVID-19 outbreak in December 2019 using open-source data. [...] The lack of reports of SARI outbreaks prior to December 31, 2019, with a retracted report on December 26, suggests media censorship, given that formal reports indicate that cases began appearing on December 8. However, the findings also support a relatively recent origin of COVID-19 in November 2019. The case reported on November 22 was transferred to Wuhan approximately one incubation period before the first identified cases on December 8; this case should be further investigated, as only half of the early cases were exposed to the seafood market in Wuhan. Another case of COVID-19 has since been retrospectively identified in Hubei on November 17, 2019, suggesting that the infection was present prior to December." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/3/e18939/].
JMIR Publications
Kpozehouen, Elizabeth Benedict; Chen, Xin (Jessie); Zhu, Mengyao . . .
2020-09-18
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Global Telemedicine Implementation and Integration Within Health Systems to Fight the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Call to Action
From the Abstract: "On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic, with over 720,000 cases reported in more than 203 countries as of 31 March. The response strategy included early diagnosis, patient isolation, symptomatic monitoring of contacts as well as suspected and confirmed cases, and public health quarantine. In this context, telemedicine, particularly video consultations, has been promoted and scaled up to reduce the risk of transmission, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Based on a literature review, the first conceptual framework for telemedicine implementation during outbreaks was published in 2015. An updated framework for telemedicine in the COVID-19 pandemic has been defined. This framework could be applied at a large scale to improve the national public health response. Most countries, however, lack a regulatory framework to authorize, integrate, and reimburse telemedicine services, including in emergency and outbreak situations. [...] All stakeholders are encouraged to address the challenges and collaborate to promote the safe and evidence-based use of telemedicine during the current pandemic and future outbreaks. For countries without integrated telemedicine in their national health care system, the COVID-19 pandemic is a call to adopt the necessary regulatory frameworks for supporting wide adoption of telemedicine." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [https://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18810].
JMIR Publications
Ohannessian, Robin; Duong, Tu Anh; Odone, Anna
2020-04-02
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Delivering Benefits at Speed Through Real-World Repurposing of Off-Patent Drugs: The COVID-19 Pandemic as a Case in Point
From the Abstract: "Real-world drug repurposing--the immediate 'off-label' prescribing of drugs to address urgent clinical needs--is a widely overlooked opportunity. Off-label prescribing (ie, for a nonapproved indication) is legal in most countries and tends to shift the burden of liability and cost to physicians and patients, respectively. Nevertheless, health crises may mean that real-world repurposing is the only realistic source for solutions. Optimal real-world repurposing requires a track record of safety, affordability, and access for drug candidates. Although thousands of such drugs are already available, there is no central repository of off-label uses to facilitate immediate identification and selection of potentially useful interventions during public health crises. Using the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as an example, we provide a glimpse of the extensive literature that supports the rationale behind six generic drugs, in four classes, all of which are affordable, supported by decades of safety data, and targeted toward the underlying pathophysiology that makes COVID-19 so deadly. This paper briefly summarizes why cimetidine or famotidine, dipyridamole, fenofibrate or bezafibrate, and sildenafil citrate are worth considering for patients with COVID-19. Clinical trials to assess efficacy are already underway for famotidine, dipyridamole, and sildenafil, and further trials of all these agents will be important in due course. These examples also reveal the unlimited opportunity to future-proof our health care systems by proactively mining, synthesizing, cataloging, and evaluating the off-label treatment opportunities of thousands of safe, well-established, and affordable generic drugs." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19199/].
JMIR Publications
Rogosnitzky, Moshe; Berkowitz, Esther; Jadad, Alejandro R.
2020-05-13
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Regulation and Trust: 3-Month Follow-Up Study on COVID-19 Mortality in 25 European Countries
From the Abstract: "The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has dramatically changed societies in 2020. Since the end of February, Europe has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, but there are major country differences in both the spread of the virus and measures taken to stop the virus. Social psychological factors such as institutional trust could be important in understanding the development of the epidemic. [...] The aim of this study was to examine country variations of COVID-19 mortality in Europe by analyzing social risk factors explaining the spread of the disease, restrictions and control measures, and institutional trust. [...] The spread of the COVID-19 epidemic has been fast everywhere, but the findings revealed significant differences between countries in COVID-19 mortality. Perceived sociability predicted higher COVID-19 mortality. Major differences between the 25 countries were found in reaction times to the crisis. Late reaction to the crisis predicted later mortality figures. Institutional trust was associated with lower COVID-19 mortality. [...] The spread of the COVID-19 epidemic has been fast everywhere, but the findings revealed significant differences between countries in COVID-19 mortality. Perceived sociability predicted higher COVID-19 mortality. Major differences between the 25 countries were found in reaction times to the crisis. Late reaction to the crisis predicted later mortality figures. Institutional trust was associated with lower COVID-19 mortality."
JMIR Publications
Oksanen, Atte; Kaakinen, Markus; Latikka, Rita . . .
2020-04-24
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Mathematical Modelling to Assess the Impact of Lockdown on COVID-19 Transmission in India: Model Development and Validation
From the Abstract: "The World Health Organization has declared the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to be a public health emergency; at present, India is facing a major threat of community spread. We developed a mathematical model for investigating and predicting the effects of lockdown on future COVID-19 cases with a specific focus on India. [...] The objective of this work was to develop and validate a mathematical model and to assess the impact of various lockdown scenarios on COVID-19 transmission in India. [...] A model consisting of a framework of ordinary differential equations was developed by incorporating the actual reported cases in 14 countries. After validation, the model was applied to predict COVID-19 transmission in India for different intervention scenarios in terms of lockdown for 4, 14, 21, 42, and 60 days. We also assessed the situations of enhanced exposure due to aggregation of individuals in transit stations and shopping malls before the lockdown. [...] For India, the model predicted marked reductions in cases for the intervention periods of 14 and 21 days of lockdown and significant reduction for 42 days of lockdown. Such intervention exceeding 42 days does not result in measurable improvement. [...] Implementation of a strict lockdown for a period of at least 21 days is expected to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. However, a further extension of up to 42 days is required to significantly reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in India." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19368/].
JMIR Publications
Ambikapathy, Bakiya; Krishnamurthy, Kamalanand
2020-05-07
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Knowledge and Perceptions of COVID-19 Among Health Care Workers: Cross-Sectional Study
From the Abstract: "During the first week of March, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak reached more than 100 countries with over 100,000 cases. Health care authorities have already initiated awareness and preparedness activities worldwide. A poor understanding of the disease among health care workers (HCWs) may result in delayed treatment and result in the rapid spread of the infection. [...] This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs about COVID-19. [...] A cross-sectional, web-based study was conducted among HCWs about COVID-19 during the first week of March 2020. A 23-item survey instrument was developed and distributed randomly to HCWs using social media; it required 5 minutes to complete. [...] As the global threat of COVID-19 continues to emerge, it is critical to improve the knowledge and perceptions of HCWs. Educational interventions are urgently needed to reach HCWs worldwide, and further studies are warranted." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19160/].
JMIR Publications
Bhagavathula, Akshaya Srikanth; Aldhaleei, Wafa Ali; Rahmani, Jamal . . .
2020-04-30
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Preparation for Quarantine on the Cruise Ship Diamond Princess in Japan Due to COVID-19
From the Abstract: "Japan implemented a large-scale quarantine on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in an attempt to control the spread of the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in February 2020. [...] Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed for all 3711 people (2666 passengers and 1045 crew) on board. [...] Of those tested, 696 (18.8%) tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19), of which 410 (58.9%) were asymptomatic. We also confirmed that 54% of the asymptomatic patients with a positive RT-PCR result had lung opacities on chest computed tomography. There were many difficulties in implementing quarantine, such as creating a dividing traffic line between infectious and noninfectious passengers, finding hospitals and transportation providers willing to accept these patients, transporting individuals, language barriers, and supporting daily life. As of March 8, 2020, 31 patients (4.5% of patients with positive RT-PCR results) were hospitalized and required ventilator support or intensive care, and 7 patients (1.0% of patients with positive RT-PCR results) had died. [...] There were several difficulties in implementing large-scale quarantine and obtaining medical support on the cruise ship. In the future, we need to prepare for patients' transfer and the admitting hospitals when disembarking the passengers." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18821/].
JMIR Publications
Yamahata, Yoshihiro; Shibata, Ayako
2020-05-11
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Estimation of the Probability of Reinfection with COVID-19 by the Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Removed-Undetectable-Susceptible Model
From the Abstract: "With the sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction test used to detect the presence of the virus in the human host, the worldwide health community has been able to record a large number of the recovered population. [...] The aim of this study was to evaluate the probability of reinfection in the recovered class and the model equations, which exhibits the disease-free equilibrium state for the coronavirus disease [COVID-19]. [...] The model differential equation was evaluated for the disease-free equilibrium for the case of reinfection as well as the existence and stability criteria for the disease, using the model proportions. [...] With a total of about 900,000 infected cases worldwide, numerical simulations for this study were carried out to complement the analytical results and investigate the effect that the implementation of quarantine and observation procedures has on the projection of further virus spread. [...] As shown by the results, the proportion of the infected population, in the absence of a curative vaccination, will continue to grow worldwide; meanwhile, the recovery rate will continue slowly, which means that the ratio of infection rate to recovery rate will determine the death rate that is recorded. Most significant for this study is the rate of reinfection by the recovered population, which will decline to zero over time as the virus is cleared clinically from the system of the recovered class." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19097/].
JMIR Publications
Okhuese, Alexander Victor
2020-05-13
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Turning the Crisis into an Opportunity: Digital Health Strategies Deployed During the COVID-19 Outbreak
From the Abstract: "Digital health technologies offer significant opportunities to reshape current health care systems. From the adoption of electronic medical records to mobile health apps and other disruptive technologies, digital health solutions have promised a better quality of care at a more sustainable cost. However, the widescale adoption of these solutions is lagging behind. The most adverse scenarios often provide an opportunity to develop and test the capacity of digital health technologies to increase the efficiency of health care systems. Catalonia (Northeast Spain) is one of the most advanced regions in terms of digital health adoption across Europe. The region has a long tradition of health information exchange in the public health care sector and is currently implementing an ambitious digital health strategy. In this viewpoint, we discuss the crucial role digital health solutions play during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to support public health policies. We also report on the strategies currently deployed at scale during the outbreak in Catalonia." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19106/].
JMIR Publications
Sust, Pol Pérez; Solans, Oscar; Fajardo, Joan Carles . . .
2020-05-04
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Emergency Response to COVID-19 in Canada: Platform Development and Implementation for eHealth in Crisis Management
From the Abstract: "Public health emergencies like epidemics put enormous pressure on health care systems while revealing deep structural and functional problems in the organization of care. The current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic illustrates this at a global level. [...] The aim of this study is to develop an innovative web-based solution addressing the seemingly insurmountable challenges of triaging, monitoring, and delivering nonhospital services unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] An adaptable crisis management digital platform was envisioned and designed with the goal of improving the system's response on the basis of the literature; an existing shared health record platform; and discussions between health care providers, decision makers, academia, and the private sector in response to the COVID 19 epidemic. [...] The Crisis Management Platform was developed and offered to health authorities in Ontario on a nonprofit basis. It has the capability to dramatically streamline patient intake, triage, monitoring, referral, and delivery of nonhospital services. It decentralizes the provision of services (by moving them online) and centralizes data gathering and analysis, maximizing the use of existing human resources, facilitating evidence-based decision making, and minimizing the risk to both users and providers. It has unlimited scale-up possibilities (only constrained by human health risk resource availability) with minimal marginal cost." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18995/].
JMIR Publications
Krausz, Michael, MD, PhD, FRCPc; Westenberg, Jean Nicolas; Vigo, Daniel . . .
2020-05-15
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Agile Requirements Engineering and Software Planning for a Digital Health Platform to Engage the Effects of Isolation Caused by Social Distancing: Case Study
From the Abstract: "Social distancing and shielding measures have been put in place to reduce social interaction and slow the transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). For older people, self-isolation presents particular challenges for mental health and social relationships. As time progresses, continued social distancing could have a compounding impact on these concerns. [...] This project aims to provide a tool for older people and their families and peers to improve their well-being and health during and after regulated social distancing. First, we will evaluate the tool's feasibility, acceptability, and usability to encourage positive nutrition, enhance physical activity, and enable virtual interaction while social distancing. Second, we will be implementing the app to provide an online community to assist families and peer groups in maintaining contact with older people using goal setting. Anonymized data from the app will be aggregated with other real-world data sources to develop a machine learning algorithm to improve the identification of patients with COVID-19 and track for real time use by health systems. [...] Making use of a pre-existing software framework for health behavior change, a proof of concept was developed, and a multistage app development and deployment for the solution was created. [...] This case study lays the foundations for future app development to combat mental and societal issues arising from social distancing measures. The app will be tested and evaluated in future studies to allow continuous improvement of the app." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19297/].
JMIR Publications
Meinert, Edward; Milne-Ives, Madison; Surodina, Svitlana . . .
2020-05-06
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Data Mining and Content Analysis of the Chinese Social Media Platform Weibo During the Early COVID-19 Outbreak: Retrospective Observational Infoveillance Study
From the Abstract: "The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, which began in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is rapidly spreading worldwide with over 1.9 million cases as of mid-April 2020. Infoveillance approaches using social media can help characterize disease distribution and public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors critical to the early stages of an outbreak. [...] The aim of this study is to conduct a quantitative and qualitative assessment of Chinese social media posts originating in Wuhan City on the Chinese microblogging platform Weibo during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak. [...] Chinese-language messages from Wuhan were collected for 39 days between December 23, 2019, and January 30, 2020, on Weibo. For quantitative analysis, the total daily cases of COVID-19 in Wuhan were obtained from the Chinese National Health Commission, and a linear regression model was used to determine if Weibo COVID-19 posts were predictive of the number of cases reported. Qualitative content analysis and an inductive manual coding approach were used to identify parent classifications of news and user-generated COVID-19 topics. [...] The results of this study provide initial insight into the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak based on quantitative and qualitative analysis of Chinese social media data at the initial epicenter in Wuhan City. Future studies should continue to explore the utility of social media data to predict COVID-19 disease severity, measure public reaction and behavior, and evaluate effectiveness of outbreak communication." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e18700/].
JMIR Publications
Li, Jiawei; Purushothaman, Vidya; Mackey, Tim Ken . . .
2020-04-21
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Correlations of Online Search Engine Trends with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Incidence: Infodemiology Study
From the Abstract: "The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the latest pandemic of the digital age. With the internet harvesting large amounts of data from the general population in real time, public databases such as Google Trends (GT) and the Baidu Index (BI) can be an expedient tool to assist public health efforts. [...] The aim of this study is to apply digital epidemiology to the current COVID-19 pandemic to determine the utility of providing adjunctive epidemiologic information on outbreaks of this disease and evaluate this methodology in the case of future pandemics. [...] An epidemiologic time series analysis of online search trends relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was performed from January 9, 2020, to April 6, 2020. BI was used to obtain online search data for China, while GT was used for worldwide data, the countries of Italy and Spain, and the US states of New York and Washington. These data were compared to real-world confirmed cases and deaths of COVID-19. Chronologic patterns were assessed in relation to disease patterns, significant events, and media reports. [...] This study demonstrates the utility of digital epidemiology in providing helpful surveillance data of disease outbreaks like COVID-19. Although certain online search trends for this disease were influenced by media coverage, many search terms reflected clinical manifestations of the disease and showed strong correlations with real-world cases and deaths." This article was originally published on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [https://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19702].
JMIR Publications
Higgins, Thomas; Wu, Arthur; Illing, Elisa . . .
2020-05-21
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Considerations for Postacute Rehabilitation for Survivors of COVID-19
From the Abstract: "Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported on December 31, 2019. Because it has only been studied for just over three months, our understanding of this disease is still incomplete, particularly regarding its sequelae and long-term outcomes. Moreover, very little has been written about the rehabilitation needs of patients with COVID-19 after discharge from acute care. The objective of this report is to answer the question 'What rehabilitation services do survivors of COVID-19 require?' The question was asked within the context of a subacute hospital delivering geriatric inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Three areas relevant to rehabilitation after COVID-19 were identified. First, details of how patients may present have been summarized, including comorbidities, complications from an intensive care unit stay with or without intubation, and the effects of the virus on multiple body systems, including those pertaining to cardiac, neurological, cognitive, and mental health. Second, I have suggested procedures regarding the design of inpatient rehabilitation units for COVID-19 survivors, staffing issues, and considerations for outpatient rehabilitation. Third, guidelines for rehabilitation (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology) following COVID-19 have been proposed with respect to recovery of the respiratory system as well as recovery of mobility and function." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19462/].
JMIR Publications
Sheehy, Lisa Mary
2020-05-08
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Knowledge and Behaviors Toward COVID-19 Among US Residents During the Early Days of the Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Online Questionnaire
From the Abstract: "The early days of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States brought uncertainty in the knowledge about COVID-19 and what to do about it. It is necessary to understand public knowledge and behaviors if we are to effectively address the pandemic. [...] The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that knowledge about COVID-19 influences participation in different behaviors including self-reports of purchasing more goods than usual, attending large gatherings, and using medical masks. [...] This study was funded and approved by the Institutional Review Board on March 17, 2020. The cross-sectional online survey of 1034 US residents aged 18 years or older was conducted on March 17, 2020. [...] The results suggest that there is a politicization of response recommendations. Democrats had 30% lower odds of attending large gatherings [...] and 48% lower odds of using medical masks [...] compared to Republicans. [...] A national, coordinated effort toward a pandemic response may ensure better compliance with behavioral recommendations to address this public health emergency." This article can also be found here on the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Public Health and Surveillance website: [http://publichealth.jmir.org/2020/2/e19161/].
JMIR Publications
Clements, John M.
2020-05-08
