Reducing coronavirus risk in UPC professionals

The pandemic has put health care systems - and with them their professionals - under strain. In this context, the risk of contagion is high for TENS, nurses, assistants, physicians and all those who are working in PCUs, despite all the safety measures. However, there are initiatives that can help reduce the chances of contracting this coronavirus. For example, lowering the contact that professionals have with patients. 

In the blog How FES can help the recovery of COVID-19 patientswe explain how this treatment helps people who have suffered from coronavirus to rehabilitate. This process is often complex, mainly because of the after-effects of extensive sedation and such an invasive process as intubation (and subsequent extubation). Some of them are muscle weakness and swallowing problems, among others.

Reducing coronavirus risk in UPC professionals

TrainFES offers a type of treatment with functional electrostimulation that helps rehabilitate patients even while they are in the ICU. This allows them to shorten the time they remain hospitalized and to resume basic functions. 

But how does it work? Specifically, TrainFES equipment can be synchronized wirelessly via Bluetooth with a tablet and an accelerometer (inertial sensor) that can be easily configured. In this way, they coordinate the stimulation of different muscles in sequence, thus achieving functional movements, such as swallowing, standing and later walking.

The use of the accelerometer allows the kinesiologist or occupational therapist to perform the work, reducing direct physical contact with the patient, since the muscular contraction will be generated in a programmed manner and parameters can be adjusted remotely, even outside the room. Also, the professional can leave an automated sequence while attending to another patient (ideal when dealing with sedated persons). Thus, the time spent working in the PCU is optimized.

Now, if the patient is in the process of standing upright, the software/hardware algorithm allows the stimulation to supplement or complete the muscle movement performed by the patient. In other words, it generates slope stimulation and not an all-ornothing response.

Another advantage is that the electrodes used are universal (the same as those used for TENS), so each patient can have his own disposable electrode equipment. The TrainFES + accelerometer equipment can be easily disinfected, like all other medical equipment.

Currently in Chile, TrainFES equipment is being used in different UPC and with different uses. In the case of Posta Central and Hospital de la Florida, they are used for patients with neuromuscular blockade. At Clínica Los Coihues, Universidad de los Andes and Indisa, for post-intubation swallowing disorder.

Conclusion

The treatment to rehabilitate people who go through UPC for Covid-19 is not only beneficial for the patients, but also for the professionals in charge of their care. Under the conditions imposed by the health crisis, it is essential to take care of the health of those who work on a daily basis with patients affected by the coronavirus.