A pitfall in estimating the e ective reproductive number Rt for COVID-19

The effective reproductive number Rt of COVID-19 is determined indirectly from data that are only incompletely known. Approaches based on reconstructing these data by sampling time lags from suitable distributions introduce noise effects that can result in distorted estimates of Rt. This, in turn, may lead to misleading interpretations of the efficacy of the various measures taken to limit COVID-19 transmission.

Unexpected liaisons between old cytokines and new deadly virus

Researchers in Italy have not only identified new unexpected liaisons between old cytokines and the new coronavirus that open the way to the use in COVID-19 of drugs already approved for other diseases, but they have also provided valuable indications on how to better prepare ourselves to face a possible second wave of infection.

Shared decision making: patients have a right to be informed about possible treatment options and their risks and benefits

Shared decision making is a key concept in the process of working towards high-quality, patient-centred care for all patient populations. It is relevant not only for current care decisions, but also for advance care planning, and it is needed particularly during times of crisis such as we are seeing currently with COVID-19.

Actionability and scope should determine the extent of counselling for presymptomatic genetic testing

Patients considering undergoing presymptomatic genetic and genomic testing commonly receive prior genetic counselling. However, there is a need to discuss further why genetic counselling has such unique and high importance in many countries worldwide. This discussion will help to rationalise resource allocations within healthcare systems and improve patient communication in genetics and other fields.

COVID-19 and the role of imaging: early experiences in Central Switzerland

The authors describe the first clinical experiences with 55 COVID-19 patients in Central Switzerland. They provide an illustrative and schematic description of typical COVID-19 imaging features and suggest that imaging plays an important role in the clinical work-up of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. 

Swiss newborn screening for severe T and B cell deficiency with a combined TREC/KREC assay – management recommendations

The recent introduction of newborn screening for severe primary T and B cell deficiencies in Switzerland allows rapid identification of patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). The authors outline the screening procedure currently performed in Switzerland and give recommendations for diagnostic evaluations and precautionary measures against infection in children with abnormal screening test results.

Association between levator ani muscle avulsions and technique of vacuum extraction – a prospective exploratory study

Trauma of the levator ani muscle in the form of partial or complete avulsions is common after vaginal births, especially after vaginal-operative births. There is little information available regarding associations between the technique of vaginal-operative births and levator ani muscle trauma.

Social, cultural and experiential patterning of attitudes and behaviour towards assisted suicide in Switzerland: evidence from a national population-based study

Switzerland has the longest history of the legal practice of non-physician assisted suicide of any country. Assisted suicide is not very tightly regulated in Switzerland, and almost all assisted suicides are supported by a right-to-die organisation.

Effect of guideline revisions by the Swiss Society of Hypertension on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients from primary care

The 2009 guideline change in high-risk patients was associated with a reduction in systolic office blood pressure together with an increase in pharmacological combination therapy. These results highlight primary care physicians’ efforts to implement blood pressure guidelines. Further, blood pressure goal attainment was more likely to be achieved in later follow-up visits.

Supporting health professionals after an adverse event in Swiss hospitals: a cross-sectional study

In Swiss hospitals, second victim support is generally prevalent, but often in an unstructured way. This lack of methodology increases the risk that, following adverse events, both the quantity and quality of support provided to health professionals will be insufficient. A firm commitment on the part of institutional leaders to implement related policies could foster the adoption of high-quality second victim guidelines in Swiss hospitals.