COVID-19 Resources

As we are all closely monitoring the developments regarding COVID-19, below are resources which may be helpful to review and assist you further during this time. This page will update frequently so check back often.

Case Tracking

• VHA Cases (updated daily)
• Case Tracking from Johns Hopkins University School of Engineering
• CDC Tracking in the United States
• Worldometer U.S. Coronavirus Cases
• Modeling by University of Washington
• COVID-19 Med App (Available for Apple and Android Users)
• Don’t forget to check your individual public health department’s web page

Teleworking Resources

• VA National Teleconferencing System – only while on VA systems. To call to schedule, VANTS VIDEO/AUDIO Scheduling: 3042627600.
• To schedule VA Video Connect Meetings (while logged into Vista), use the Care Manager. By using a fake patient (i.e. zzztest, patient) you can schedule a video conference under that fake patient that staff can utilize (up to 30 people) from any web-enabled computer or smart device.
• Secure Message Your Patients. Don’t forget – by click on their name in the demographics tab, you often can get cell phone, home phone, and emails.
• Be Prepared – Be Ready – These are things that VA employees can do to prepare to work remotely.

Links from Professional Organizations

• Congressional Research Service - Full Practice Authority for VA Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• AVANA COVID-19 CRNA Utilization Recommendations (updated 4/24)
• CRNA Practice During the COVID-19 National Emergency Memorandum (4/21)
• AANA Covid-19 Resources
• ASA Covid-19 Resources
• World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists
• American Medical Association COVID 19 Resources
• Center for Disease Control COVID 19
• Society of Critical Care Medicine COVID-19 Emergency Resources

Training Materials Available

• FAQ on Anesthesia Machine Use, Protection, And Decontamination During The COVID-19 Pandemic – Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

• How to Safely Put on PPE, Selected Equipment: PAPR and Gown – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fact Sheet – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Coronavirus can persist in air for hours and on surfaces for days: study – Reuters
• Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Internet Book of Critical Care (IBCC): COVID-19 – EMCrit Project

Some Home-Brewed Tricks

MAC Anesthesia

Do not connect the nasal cannula or similar device to the CO2 analyzer to minimize contamination. Alternative: Precordial stethoscope.

Scholarly Articles

Google scholar has reputable organization links at the bottom of the search bar

A rampage through the body – Science Magazine

RSS feed (news sources from all over)