Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients are using their computers or smartphones to visit their doctors virtually instead of in person. But not everyone who needs to see a nurse or doctor while maintaining social distance can embrace telemedicine easily. One population may have an especially difficult time: elderly patients.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has nearly exhausted stockpiles of medical gear in the United States. Personal protective equipment, like masks, serve as a first-line defense for medical professionals with a front row seat to COVID-19. Coming to the aid of those doctors and nurses is a team of scientists from West Virginia University and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which has developed two alternative face coverings that are as effective at blocking novel coronavirus than those highly-coveted N95 masks.
BeWell, a behavioral wellness service available to Health Sciences students, will soon launch “Motivation Mondays,” a Zoom discussion group to support students during the coronavirus pandemic and online learning.
The WVU School of Nursing recently hosted a virtual town hall with undergraduate students to discuss working as a nurse during challenging times.
To help students meet basic needs and proceed with their studies amid these unprecedented circumstances, the WVU Foundation is working to provide need-based financial support via the Gray Student Emergency Fund. Established in 2013 by retired Student Life Vice President Ken Gray and his wife, Carolyn, the Emergency Fund provides timely financial assistance to current WVU students who experience a sudden financial hardship that could prevent them from continuing their education or otherwise impact their success at WVU.
In effort to support well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, the HSC Mindfulness Program is offering several levels of engagement to enhance relaxation response and resilience—all free of charge.
As the pandemic continues to carve a path of uncertainty, the safety of the WVU campus community remains the utmost priority. Therefore, the University has made several decisions as the summer months approach, including moving summer term online and canceling events and camps through June 30.
The West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, WVU Medicine, and smart ring maker Oura Health today (April 8) announced a national study designed to accelerate early detection of the COVID-19 virus symptoms and contagiousness. Leveraging an artificial intelligence -driven predictive model, wearable ring technology, and a COVID-19 monitoring app, RNI scientists and partners are developing an innovative “digital PPE” approach that potentially can identify infected frontline healthcare professionals before they become symptomatic – a possible breakthrough in monitoring capabilities and limiting the spread.
My daughter, Rebekah, recently told some friends that socially distancing is hard for me because my idea of a quiet evening at home is having 400 people for dinner. She was exaggerating, of course. Two hundred is plenty.
WVU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Rob Alsop and Dean of Students Corey Farris provided details regarding student emergency financial assistance in a letter sent to parents and students on Tuesday, April 7.