Browsing by Author "Mowlana, Abdurasiet"

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    Adenocarcinoma the most common cell type in patients presenting with primary lung cancer in the Western Cape
    (Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2011-05) Koegelenberg, Coenraad F. N.; Aubeelack, Kushroo; Nanguzgambo, Aldoph B.; Irusen, Elvis M.; Mowlana, Abdurasiet; Von Groote-Bidlingmaier, Florian; Bolliger, Chris T.
    Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide for men and women, causing approximately 1.2 million deaths per year. The absolute and relative frequencies of lung cancer have risen dramatically and in South Africa account for 17% of all cancer deaths. We found that adenocarcinoma is now the most common histological subtype of primary lung cancer diagnosed in the Western Cape and that almost 90% of all patients with non-small cell lung cancer have advanced local or metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis.
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    Implementing a video call visit system in a coronavirus disease 2019 unit
    (AOSIS, 2020-09-15) Moolla, Muhammad Saadiq; Broadhurst, Alistair; Parker, Mohammed A.; Parker, Arifa; Mowlana, Abdurasiet
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The lockdown and physical distancing strategies imposed to combat COVID-19 have caused seismic shifts at all levels of society. Hospitals have been particularly affected. Healthcare workers (HCW’s) wore PPE during all patient interactions and visitors were prohibited. Life for a patient became lonelier and for those with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) measures were even more severe. HCW’s must treat patients following a biopsychosocial approach and promote communication between patients and loved ones. We implemented a low cost Video Call Visit system at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town. In this article we discuss the elements of a successful implementation and potential pitfalls in the context of a pandemic, notably cross-infection and privacy. Rapid but responsible innovation using 21st century tools was required to address the many challenges of the pandemic, including improving the lived experience for patients and families. These should be intended to last after the pandemic has passed.
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    Staff testing for COVID-19 via an online pre-registration form
    (medRxiv, 2020) Moolla, Muhammad Saadiq; Parker, Arifa; Parker, Mohammed Aslam; Sithole, Sthembiso; Amien, Leila; Chiecktey, Rubeena; Bawa, Tasneem; Mowlana, Abdurasiet
    Background: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and potentially causing institutional outbreaks. Staff testing is critical in identifying and isolating infected individuals while also reducing unnecessary workforce depletion. Tygerberg Hospital implemented an online pre-registration system to expedite staff and cluster testing. Objectives: We aimed to identify (1) specific presentations associated with a positive or negative result for SARS-CoV-2 and (2) staff sectors where enhanced strategies for testing might be required. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study involving all clients making use of the hospital's pre-registration system during May 2020. Results: Of 799 clients, most were young and female with few comorbidities. The most common occupation was nurses followed by administrative staff, doctors and general assistants. Doctors tested earlier compared to other staff (median: 1.5 vs 4 days). The most frequent presenting symptoms were headache, sore throat, cough and myalgia. Amongst those testing positive (n=105), fever, altered smell, altered taste sensation, chills and history of fever were the most common symptoms. Three or more symptoms was more predictive of a positive test, but 12/145 asymptomatic clients also tested positive. Conclusion: Staff coronavirus testing using an online pre-registration form is a viable and acceptable strategy. While some presentations are less likely to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, no symptom can completely exclude it. Staff testing should form part of a bundle of strategies to protect staff including wearing masks, regular hand washing, buddy screening, physical distancing, availability of PPE and special dispensation for COVID-19-related leave.