2020-04-29 16:53:22 - 11

COVID-19: the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and radiology practice

The performance of the radiologist has proved to be fundamental in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the protection of this professional should start from the screening, with the questioning of possible symptoms of respiratory infection to the patient, so that preventive actions are adopted even before of taking the exam. In any case, the possibility of dealing with an asymptomatic patient is quite common and, for this reason, ensuring adequate working conditions, such as infrastructure, cleanliness and adequate protection, are essential. With regard to protection, prior training is required on the use, clothing and disposal of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), to ensure the well-being of professionals and avoid contamination. For the safe development of activities, items such as masks, gloves, aprons and other supplies must be guaranteed by the unit manager. If the equipment is not available, the doctor should take the situation to the Technical Director and, if the problem is not resolved, the matter can still be taken to the Medical Councils and even to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Aware of the problems faced by doctors on a daily basis, the Federal Council of Medicine made a platform available on its website for these professionals to report shortages of essential items in their unit. at email address https://sistemas.cfm.org.br/fiscalizacaocovid/, the doctor must fill in basic identification data (CPF, State and CRM), guaranteed by secrecy and anonymity, which only serve to ensure that only doctors access the platform. The questionnaire makes it possible to indicate the difficulties in acting and in the care of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19, making it possible not only to report the absence of PPE, but other deficiencies, such as lack of beds, deficiencies in screening and infrastructure. Reports will be forwarded to the Inspection Departments of the Regional Medical Councils, with the aim of solving problems with local managers and carrying out inspections. Managers, public or private, of all health facilities must commit to protecting physicians and other health professionals, ensuring adequate infrastructure so that they continue to save lives.   CBR Legal Advice