MERS Coronavirus Surveillance & Alert System in Qatar Radiology Dept

This presentation details a study on the efficiency of a MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) surveillance protocol implemented in the Emergency and Radiography Departments of Hamad General Hospital, Qatar. The background highlights MERS as a moderate-to-severe respiratory syndrome characterized by fever, dyspnea, and cough. The research focuses on containing cross-infectivity within the departments, especially during emergencies when minimizing patient risk is paramount. The methodology involved a retrospective chart review of patients with suspected MERS-CoV over a month and the development of a triage system based on international guidelines. The results showed the surveillance protocol significantly reduced the number of patients requiring MERS-CoV testing and helped providers identify high-risk patients and modify radiographers' care protocols. The conclusion emphasizes the efficiency of the protocolized surveillance system in reducing the burden of MERS-CoV on the Emergency Department by improving the identification and prioritization of high-risk patients.

MERS coronavirus
Surveillance &
Alert System in
Radiography
Department in
Qatar
Hissa Mohammed

Background
– The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is categorised as a moderate-to-
severe respiratory syndrome
– It is characterised by:
– fever
– dyspnoea
– cough.

Background Cont.
– This research examines the efficiency of a MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
surveillance protocol in the Emergency and Radiography Departments of
Hamad General Hospital, Qatar (1).
– The work focuses on containing cross-infectivity and points out that:
– During emergencies, the departments focus on minimising patient risk.

Methods
– A retrospective chart review was carried out for all patients with suspected
MERS-CoV at the time of emergency presentation for approximately a month .
– Over a period of one month, a specific triage system was developed.

Methods Cont.
– The system was generated based on international guidelines to screen
identified MERS-CoV patients.
– The diagnosed samples (which are previously taken) were sent for laboratory
testing after chest radiography was completed.

Results
– The surveillance protocol was based on age and symptoms.
– It lowered the number of patients who had to be tested for MERS-CoV from
12,563 to 514.

Results Cont.
– The surveillance helped providers identify the right patients.
– Also helped providers identify the protocols used to change the radiographers’
perspectives concerning how to care for MERS patients.

Conclusion
– An efficient, protocolised surveillance system in the Radiography Department
reduced the burden of MERS-CoV on the Emergency Department
– This was done by allowing providers to more easily recognise and prioritise
high-risk patients.

References
1. Al Khawaja S, Al Romaihi E, Al Agha R. Miliary tuberculosis in Bahrain: case
reports and epidemiology review. Int J Microbiol Infect Dis. 2018;2(3):1-5.
4. Zumla A, Hui DS, Perlman S. Middle East respiratory syndrome. The Lancet.
2015;386(9997): 995-1007.
5. Varughese S, Read JG, Al-khal AL, Saleh SA, El Deeb Y, Cameron PA. Effectiveness
of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus protocol in enhancing the
function of an Emergency Department in Qatar. Eur J Emerg Med. 2015
Oct;22(5):316.

Disclosure
– I confirm the originality of the presentation and that all authors of this
presentation work are aware and in agreement of this abstract submission