

PSMID is pleased to share the newest SPOTLIGHTS features of the Philippines and Malaysia highlighting the unique Network structures of the two newest QIS+D countries from Southeast Asia.
PSMID is part of a national collaboration with the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP) to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings.
The current algorithms are based on the best evidence available in scientific literature at the time of its formulation. However, these algorithms are not a comprehensive guide to all practice questions and management options on COVID-19. This is not meant to restrict the practitioner in using sound clinical judgement and sharing the decision with the patient, and from considering other management options according to the patient’s particular needs and preferences. The algorithms can serve to inform policy, but are not meant to serve as a basis for approving or denying financial coverage or insurance claims merely because of nonconformance with recommendations. Neither are the recommendations supposed to be considered as legal rules for dictating certain modes of action to the exclusion of others.
Last updated February 21, 2022.
The Unified COVID-19 Algorithms reflect evidence updates from the Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations. Version 4 is now subsumed under the Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations initiative in order to streamline the alignment of evidence with decision-making tools. Under this, it is funded by the Department of Health (DOH) AHEAD Program through the DOST-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) and the DOH-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB).
Version 4 is built on the grassroots effort of volunteers from different medical organizations, subject matter experts, stakeholders, as well as end-users. Facilitation was done by technical specialists from the Asia- Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (APCEBH), Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO), and Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina (KMI). With the Philippine context in perspective, the algorithms provide clear guidance for COVID-19 management from both the community and hospital levels. The development process was framed on evidence-based, patient-centered, and equity-driven principles.
Work on the first release of the Unified COVID-19 Algorithms started as early as March 2020 with representatives from the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine (PSGIM), and the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP). The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine (PCOM) and the Philippine College of Emergency Medicine (PCEM) were also among the first medical societies to join us in unifying guidance for colleagues at the frontlines. This collaboration incubated the formation of the Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19 (HPAAC).
With continued support from PSMID, expansion was carried out by the HPAAC Steering Committee through its network of volunteers and the leadership of various medical professional societies. Major changes in the latest version include the following:
These algorithms are subject to change as new evidence emerges and existing guidelines are updated. Recommendations on patient care are not absolute. Final decisions remain under the discretion of the healthcare provider.
As the unified algorithms are utilized, end-users are enjoined to provide feedback as to their experience with use of the algorithms in the field through: secretariat@psmid.org and hpaac.org.ph/contact or secretariat@hpaac.org.ph.
The following organizations and their representatives contributed to the content, review and update of various sections:
Version 1 and 2 Contributors
You may download the most recent Unified COVID-19 Algorithms here (Document date: February 21, 2022).
The Unified COVID-19 Algorithms are based primarily on the latest Philippine COVID-19 Living Recommendations as well as other relevant guidelines and circulars. As such, the recommendations will be constantly updated, and new recommendations will be added as the evidence evolves. The recommendations are based on the best evidence available in scientific literature at the time of its formulation. The unified algorithms and the living recommendations are not comprehensive guides to all practice questions and management options on COVID-19. The algorithms and guidelines are not meant to restrict the practitioner in using sound clinical judgement and sharing the decision with the patient, and from considering other management options according to the patient’s particular needs and preferences. The said algorithms and guidelines can also serve to inform policy, but they are not meant to serve as basis for approving or denying financial coverage or insurance claims merely because of nonconformance with recommendations. Neither are the recommendations intended to be considered as legal rules for dictating certain modes of action to the exclusion of others.
Calling all adolescents ages 12-17 and their parents!
We want to know your thoughts on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents.
You may scan this QR code or go to the provided link to answer our survey: bit.ly/CovidVaccineSurvey_Main
Attached herewith is the National Vaccination Operations Center Advisory No. 54 entitled “Guidance on the Vaccination of the Immediate Family Members of Healthcare Workers under Priority Group A1” and its Operational Guidance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly challenged humanity and continues to do so. Unfortunately, these challenges are made more difficult for our healthcare workers at the frontlines of COVID-19 care. There are times when the mission and expertise of our frontline health providers are criticized and maligned. Oftentimes, our colleagues bear the cudgels for our health systems’ weaknesses, even as they do their utmost to care for COVID-19 patients and save lives.
We have all lost family members and loved ones in this pandemic. Our shared losses enhance our empathy with all the others who have also lost their loved ones to COVID- 19. The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), a non-stock, non-profit association of healthcare professionals dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of infectious disease – especially against COVID-19, is not spared from the perils of this pandemic.
In these challenging times, there is the temptation to cast blame and aspersions on frontliners in the face of loss and grief, without fully understanding the context and rationale of holistic clinical management and care. We urge the community to focus against the real enemy, COVID-19. Divisiveness only serves to weaken and demotivate our health workforce. PSMID maintains an open communication line and a collaborative stance as we continue to lead and serve despite the risks and obstacles.
The PSMID expresses confidence in the expertise of its infectious disease clinicians. We stand by the competence, professional integrity, and clinical judgment of our infectious disease practitioners. We, as PSMID, always strive to provide holistic, evidence-based, and compassionate patient care, despite the challenges of a stretched and under- resourced health system and the risks to our own lives.
The PSMID deeply thank the countless women, men, organizations, and institutions who quietly serve and continue to provide support and encouragement to our healthcare workers. We hope for kindness. We hope for understanding. The spirit of unity and solidarity is what gives us hope that we can overcome the challenges that take a significant toll on our frontliners’ physical and mental health.
“YOU [WE] WILL ACHIEVE MORE IN THIS WORLD THROUGH ACTS OF MERCY THAN… THROUGH ACTS OF RETRIBUTION.” -Nelson Mandela
PSMID Board of Councils and Advisers 2021
Download the PSMID Statement of Solidarity with Frontline COVID-19 Health Providers here.
You may download the Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker document HERE.