Mina Iskander

Abstract
In an era of widespread internet and social media usage, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken these outlets by storm. While there are obvious positive aspects of the wide availability of medical and public health information, it can be argued that an overabundance is burdensome. Although it may be attributable to the lack of knowledge surrounding a new pandemic, contradictory information being put forth by federal health agencies has also been worrisome and contributed to confusion. Delineating between fact and fiction during the pandemic has been a momentous task, even for those who are well-educated. It is of utmost importance for individuals to be able to understand, navigate, and make appropriate decisions as it relates to their health. Therefore, we must focus on improving health literacy on both an individual and societal level in order to provide an informed, unified front against the pandemic.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 3  |  Issue 2

Continue reading “The COVID-19 Infodemic: A Reminder of the Importance of Health Literacy”

Sarah Solomon

Abstract
The complex consequences for healthcare delivery prompted by the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the general population are not yet fully understood. At the time of writing, there are only five meta-analyses and literature reviews, the most comprehensive of which includes a total of 32 papers. Of these five reviews, four focus on telehealth and only one on personal protective equipment (PPE) (Anthony Jnr, 2021; Chaudhry et al., 2021; Galanis et al., 2021; Gao et al., 2020; Monaghesh & Hajizadeh, 2020). There is furthermore a scarcity of research on the impact that these COVID-19 healthcare delivery changes may have on patients with physical and/or intellectual disabilities; no meta-analyses or related reviews on this matter have been published. This at-risk group has experienced adverse short-term effects, but potentially favorable long-term outcomes, due to four major pandemic-related healthcare delivery modifications: (1) the widespread proliferation of telemedicine, (2) increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE), (3) COVID-19 testing requirements and (4) patient-physician relationship (PPR) adjustments. All four of these modifications have complicated the ability of the special needs population to access medical care in the immediate term. However, some consequences of COVID-19 – especially the growth of telemedicine and the resultant transformations in PPR dynamics – may generate lasting beneficial changes in how the healthcare system interacts with the disabled community.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 3  |  Issue 2

Continue reading “The Complex Effects of COVID-19 on the Special Needs Community: Short- and Long- Term Implications for Medical Care Providers”

Faris Katkhuda

Abstract
On August 24, 2019, Elijah McClain was unlawfully detained, and after two carotid holds by the police and a 500 mg injection of ketamine by Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics, he died in police custody. This literature review will discuss the benefits of prehospital use of ketamine, including short time to onset of effects and decreased risks of apnea and hypotension, as well as its risks, including hypersalivation, emergence reaction, laryngospasm, and high intubation rates.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 3  |  Issue 2

Continue reading “The Risks and Benefits of Prehospital Use of Ketamine”

Shreya Nalubola

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically limited international travel. Now that vaccines have been developed, many countries are considering ways to rework lockdown restrictions so that travel may resume. One proposed strategy involves the implementation of vaccine passports, which would allow those with digital or physical certification of COVID-19 vaccination to resume unrestricted travel. The introduction of such passports involves a number of important ethical, scientific, and legal considerations. This piece aims to elucidate some of the challenges and consequences regarding the use of vaccine passports, such as practical concerns about the length of vaccine immunity and post-vaccine viral transmissibility. Vaccine passports may also have damaging effects on those without adequate vaccine access, especially given the context of COVID-19 having already exacerbated harm towards disadvantaged and minority communities.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 3  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Vaccine Passports and COVID-19: Ethical, Scientific, and Practical Considerations”