Media Release
From: Medical Journal of Australia (MJA)COVID-19 AIRWAY MANAGEMENT; EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TRIAGE; AND, TREATING THE HOMELESS
THE Medical Journal of Australia has today published three new articles detailing management of three different COVID-19 patient groups – those requiring respiratory support, those presenting to emergency departments, and homeless patients.
Published online at mja.com.au the articles are released as part of the Journal’s pre-print rapid access COVID-19 process and would be updated and published in the next available print edition of the MJA.
1. Early clinical response to a COVID-19 outbreak at the Royal Melbourne Hospital Emergency Department
This article describes the early approach of a metropolitan emergency department to COVID-19, including the establishment of a “fever clinic”, implementation of electronic self-registration and self-screening, early planning for worsening surge, and clear clinical governance.
Available online at: https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/212/10/early-clinical-response-high-consequence-infectious-disease-outbreak-royal
2. Principles of airway management and tracheal intubation specific to the COVID-19 adult patient group
This article provides a comprehensive guide for those healthcare workers performing emergency tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19. It details the risks to medical staff working in very close proximity to infectious patients, risk management, equipment needs, and staffing protocols.
Available online at https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/212/10/consensus-statement-safe-airway-society-principles-airway-management-and
3. COVID-19 precautions – easier said than done when patients are homeless
Implementation of advice to the public and General Practitioners on minimising risk of COVID exposure and transmission is immensely difficult for people experiencing homelessness and the health services working with them. Yet this is a population group more vulnerable to infection than most, thanks to a higher prevalence of comorbidities and chronic disease.
Available online at https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2020/212/8/covid-19-precautions-easier-said-done-when-patients-are-homeless
