• Title/Summary/Keyword: Patient Waiting Areas

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Guidelines for dental clinic infection prevention during COVID-19 pandemic (코로나 바이러스 대유행에 따른 치과 의료 관리 가이드라인)

  • Kim, Jin
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Dental Administration
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    • v.8 no.1
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2020
  • Dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations, including (1) prioritizing the most critical dental services and provide care in a way that minimizes harm to patients due to delayed care, or harm to personnel from potential exposure to persons infected with the COVID-19 disease, and (2) proactively communicate to both personnel and patients the need for them to stay at home if sick. For health care, an interim infection prevention and control recommendation (COVID-19) is recommended for patients suspected of having coronavirus or those whose status has been confirmed. SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, is thought to be spread primarily between people who are in close contact with one another (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Airborne transmission from person-to-person over long distances is unlikely. However, COVID-19 is a new disease, and there remain uncertainties about its mode of spreads and the severity of illness it causes. The virus has been shown to persist in aerosols for several hours, and on some surfaces for days under laboratory conditions. COVID-19 may also be spread by people who are asymptomatic. The practice of dentistry involves the use of rotary dental and surgical instruments, such as handpieces or ultrasonic scalers, and air-water syringes. These instruments create a visible spray that can contain particle droplets of water, saliva, blood, microorganisms, and other debris. While KF 94 masks protect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from droplet spatter, they do not provide complete protection against the inhalation of airborne infectious agents. If the patient is afebrile (temperature <100.4°F)* and otherwise without symptoms consistent with COVID-19, then dental care may be provided using appropriate engineering and administrative controls, work practices, and infection control considerations. It is necessary to provide supplies for respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, including alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with 60%~95% alcohol, tissues, and no-touch receptacles for disposal, at healthcare facility entrances, waiting rooms, and patient check-ins. There is also the need to install physical barriers (e.g., glass or plastic windows) in reception areas to limit close contact between triage personnel and potentially infectious patients. Ideally, dental treatment should be provided in individual rooms whenever possible, with a spacing of at least 6 feet between the patient chairs. Further, the use of easy-to-clean floor-to-ceiling barriers will enhance the effectiveness of portable HEPA air filtration systems. Before and after all patient contact, contact with potentially infectious material, and before putting on and after removing personal protective equipment, including gloves, hand hygiene after removal is particularly important to remove any pathogens that may have been transferred to the bare hands during the removal process. ABHR with 60~95% alcohol is to be used, or hands should be washed with soap and water for at least 20 s.

A Phenomenological Study on Field Experiences of Radical Social Workers (급진사회운동가들의 사회복지실천현장 경험에 대한 현상학적 연구)

  • Kim, Sung Chun;Kim, Eun Jae
    • Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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    • v.68 no.2
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    • pp.53-77
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    • 2016
  • This research is performed to verify a suggestive understanding and undertone on radical social workers's balanced practical experiences responding to the current situation to discover the new practical way of Korean social work so as to overcome the limitation of the above mentioned microscopic approach. It focuses on Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological study and further relating areas to provide information on Radical Social Workers'(RSW) social work practical and specific experiences and fundamental implication. This research has been participated with 9 RSWs, led the past democratic movement, have participated with this research. The data covers 84 meaningful units, 24 exposed topics, and 7 essential themes. The essential themes are as follow; lifting a latch into prepared changes, unavoidable destiny, drive for change from the bottom, collaborated forces of minority groups, changing the oppressive laws and institutions to more favorable ones for minorities, being patient and waiting required as birds breaking eggs to become a bird. Based on the collected data, Researchers discuss the main features and issues of our instituted social work practices.

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