Announcements
Announcements
Announcements
Clinical Practice Guidelines
CPG Management and Prevention of Adult Community Acquired Pneumonia…
Clinical Practice Guidelines Management and Prevention of Adult Community Acquired Pneumonia
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Community acquired pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults, still remaining as the leading cause of death from an infectious disease. Since the last publication of Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Empiric Management, and Prevention of Community-acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Adults in 2016, several important changes have emerged, including increasing rates of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) among respiratory pathogens, the development of new antimicrobial agents meant to address these MDROs, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial agents. It is for these reasons that an update on the management of CAP is needed.
The following are the guideline’s objectives:
- To provide an evidence–based approach to the empiric antimicrobial management and prevention of CAP in adults to help standardize care
- To update the 2016 Philippine CPG on CAP in Adults with recent and up-to-date medical evidences on new developments at the global level yet localizing it in the Philippine setting, including the increasing rates of MDROs among respiratory pathogens and the development of new antimicrobial agents meant to address these MDROs
This guideline is intended for use of medical specialists in infectious diseases, pulmonology, family medicine, as well as general practitioners, clinical practitioners, nurses and other health care providers as well as administrators, and policy makers. It can be used in the hospital and community setting—from primary to tertiary level in both private and government clinics or hospitals.
The guideline shall cover all adults, including the elderly, presenting with CAP in the outpatient and in-patient setting except:
- CAP occurring in immunocompromised patient including bone marrow, solid organ or stem cell recipient
- Patients receiving cancer chemotherapy or immune-modulators
- Long term high dose corticosteroid >30days (> or = 20mg/day prednisone or its equivalent)
- Patients with congenital and acquired immunodeficiency (including cystic fibrosis, autoimmune and HIV)
- Pneumonia in children < 18 years old
- Pulmonary tuberculosis co-infection
There are 17 priority questions identified and 30 corresponding recommendations developed by a group of experts composed of an Oversight Committee, a Guideline Writing Panel and a Technical Review Committee (Table 1). Based on the best available evidences, the quality and strength of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Draft recommendations were finalized after these were presented to and voted on by the members of the Consensus Panel.
CPG
COMMITTEES
STEERING COMMITTEE
- Overall Lead : Dr. Catherine Colayco
- PSMID : Dr. Mario Panaligan
- PCCP: Dr. Rodolfo Pagcatipunan
- PAFP: Dr. Robbie Jun Reyes
TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP
Committee on Diagnosis
- Chair: Dr. Christine Peñalosa-Ramos (PSMID)
- Co-chair: Dr. Rhona Bergantin (PSMID)
Members
- Dr. Sonia Salamat (PSMID)
- Dr. Kristel Medina (PSMID)
- Dr. Peter Rhayvian Señar (PSMID)
- Dr. Marion Kwek (PSMID)
- Dr. Daisy Tagarda (PSMID)
- Dr. Jelly Ann Gozun (PSMID)
- Dr. Monica Reyes (PSMID)
- Dr. Esperanza Songco
- Dr. May N. Sabando
- Dr. Issa Senga-Tang (PSMID)
Committee on Management
- Chair: Dr. Katherine Cosca (PSMID)
- Co-chair: Dr. Ma. Lourdes Villa (PSMID)
Members
- Dr. Jade Javier (PSMID)
- Dr. Jose Carlo Valencia (PSMID)
- Dr. Clare Coronel (PSMID)
- Dr. Anne Gabriel-Chan (PSMID)
- Dr. Mark Peralta (PSMID)
- Dr. Eldy Mationg (PSMID)
- Dr. Kingbherly Li (PSMID)
- Dr. Marisse Nepomoceno (PSMID)
- Dr. Janice Garcia (PSN)
Committee on Prevention
- Chair: Dr. Gelza Mae Zabat (PSMID)
- Co-chair: Dr. Rosally Zamora (PSMID)
ADVISER
- Dr. Rontgene Solante
CONSENSUS PANEL
- Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Philippine College of Chest Physicians
- Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (2)
- Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine
- Philippine College of Geriatric Medicine
- Association MHO of the Philippines
- DOH-Infectious Disease Office
- National Antibiotic Guidelines Committee
- Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
- Philippine College of Emergency Medicine
- Philippine College of Radiology
- Lay individual from Patient’s Voice
Announcements
Unified COVID-19 Algorithms
Unified COVID-19 Algorithms
Last updated February 21, 2022.
Introduction
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:
- All algorithms were streamlined for better clarity and operational feasibility, with equity lens in mind.
- The definitions of COVID-19 severities were updated based on the latest Living CPG.
- A section discussing the implications of the strength of recommendation was added.
- The duration of isolation was revised based on the latest DOH guidelines (DOH DM 2022-0013)accounting for illness severity and vaccination status.
- For severely immunocompromised patients, the need to coordinate specialist care was emphasized.
- Guidance on testing prioritization was added especially in scenarios where resources are limited (e.g., during a surge).
- Recommendations on the use of novel COVID-19 drugs in non-hospitalized settings were added.
- Recommendations on non-pharmacologic interventions for the prevention and control of COVID-19 were added.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) levels and components were updated based on the latest Living CPG, with consideration of airborne transmission.
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.
Contributing Organizations
The following organizations and their representatives contributed to the content, review and update of various sections:
- Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Philippine College of Physicians
- Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians
- Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine
- Philippine College of Occupational Medicine
- Philippine College of Emergency Medicine
- Philippine Society of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
- Philippine College of Chest Physicians
- Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society
- Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine
- Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society
- Asia Pacific Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare
- Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes
- Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina
- Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19
- Philippine COVID-19 Living Clinical Practice Guidelines Steering Committee
- Department of Health Disease Prevention and Control Bureau
Algorithm Constructors
- Version 4 Algorithm Constructors
- Dr. Ron Michael L. Castillo
- Dr. Patricia Marie M. Lusica
- Dr. Francheska Angelene D. Eugenio
- Dr. Joanna Pauline E. Cu
- Dr. Josiah Juan Alfonso M. Joson
- Kathryn Ellyse C. Burgonio
- Version 3 Algorithm Constructors
- Dr. Richard Raymund R. Ragasa
- Dr. Alexander Leandro B. Dela Fuente
- Dr. Alberto E. Antonio, Jr.
- Dr. Zashka Alexis M. Gomez
- Dr. Jan Derek D. Junio
- Version 2 Algorithm Constructors
- Dr. Sitti Khadija U. Salabi
- Dr. Philine Aurea Grace S. Salvador
- Dr. Johannes Paolo B. Cerrado
- Dr. Pauline F. Convocar
- Dr. Fae Princess Bermudez
- Dr. Enrico Ian L. Deliso
- Dr. John Michael B. Hega
- Dr. Justin Alan A. Yao
- Dr. Ronna Cheska V. De Leon-Yao
- Intern Lara Mara Marielle L. Castillo
- Intern Patricia S. Sy
- Version 1 Algorithm Constructors
- Dr. Alberto E. Antonio, Jr.
- Dr. Alexander Leandro B. Dela Fuente
- Dr. Ronna Cheska V. De Leon-Yao
- Dr. Sarah Reem D. Hesham Mohamed Hagag
Technical Leads / Facilitators and Steering Committee
- Unified Algorithms Technical Leads / Facilitators
- Dr. Romelei S. Camiling-Alfonso
- Dr. Antonio Miguel L. Dans
- Dr. Maria Asuncion A. Silvestre
- Version 3 Ad Hoc Steering Committee
- Dr. Marissa M. Alejandria
- Dr. Maaliddin B. Biruar
- Dr. Pauline F. Convocar
- Dr. Anna Sofia Victoria S. Fajardo
- Dr. Rodney M. Jimenez
- Dr. Mario M. Panaligan
- Dr. Aileen T. Riel-Espina
Contributors
Version 1 and 2 Contributors
- Dr. Cybele Lara R. Abad
- Dr. Dennis James E. Absin
- Dr. Roselle S. Andres
- Dr. Ann Joan D. Bandonill
- Dr. Jubert Benedicto
- Dr. Regina Berba
- Dr. Donna Isabel S. Capili
- Dr. Criselda Isable C. Cenizal
- Dr. Rumalie A. Corvera
- Dr. Marilen Evangeline M. Cruz
- Dr. Luningnging P. Cubero
- Dr. Guinevere Dy-Agra
- Dr. Barbara Amity Flores
- Dr. Karin Estepa-Garcia
- Dr. Lester Sam A. Geroy
- Dr. Elaisa M. Hasse
- Dr. Mari Joanne Joson
- Dr. Melissa M. Juico
- Dr. Felix F. Labanda, Jr.
- Dr. Margaret Leachon
- Dr. Aurora Gloria I. Libadia
- Dr. Dax Ronald O. Librado
- Dr. Bryan Albert T. Lim
- Dr. April Llaneta
- Dr. Leslie Ann Luces
- Dr. Maria Margarita Ballon-Malabanan
- Dr. Wendel Marcelo
- Dr. Faith Joan Mesa-Gaerlan
- Dr. Katerina Nono-Abiertas
- Dr. Arabelle Colleen Ofina
- Dr. Phil M. Pangilinan
- Dr. Michal Emy Pasaporte-Hafalla
- Dr. Djhoanna A. Pedro
- Dr. Rommel B. Punongbayan
- Dr. Josephine S. Raymundo
- Dr. Neil P. Rodrigo
- Dr. Generoso Roberto
- Dr. Arthur Dessi E. Roman
- Dr. Rachel Rosario
- Dr. Evalyn A. Roxas
- Dr. Rowena Samares
- Dr. Richard Henry S. Santos
- Dr. Gerard Danielle K. Sio
- Dr. Rojim Sorrosa
- Dr. Arnold P. Tabun, Jr.
- Dr. Jeanne V. Tiangha-Gonzales
- Dr. Patrick Joseph G. Tiglao Dr. Ma. Esterlita V. Uy Dr. Ivan N Villespin
Download
You may download the most recent Unified COVID-19 Algorithms here (Document date: February 21, 2022).
Disclaimer
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.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Manual for Clinical Practice Guideline Development
Manual for Clinical Practice Guideline Development
Announcements
Timing of Blood Donation among Donors Who Received COVID-19…
PSMID Deferral period on blood donationYou may download the PSMID Guidance on the Timing of Blood Donation among Donors Who Received COVID-19 Vaccines HERE.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Interim Guidelines in the Prevention and Control of COVID-19…
PSN-PSMID-PHICS Interim Guidelines in the Prevention and Control of COVID19 Infection in Hemodialysis Facilities
Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis are considered vulnerable and thus require specific guidelines in the context of COVID-19. The goal is to minimize the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in facilities that provide routine hemodialysis services to this specific group of immunocompromised individuals. This document will guide nephrologists, physicians and other healthcare professionals practicing in hemodialysis units as they attend to patients seeking hemodialysis services in their facilities. Recommendations in this rapid guidance are based on best available evidence and will be updated as new evidence becomes available.
You may download a copy of the PSN-PSMID-PHICS Interim Guidelines in the Prevention and Control of COVID19 Infection in Hemodialysis Facilities here.
PSN-PSMID-PHICS-Interim-Guidelines-in-the-Prevention-and-Control-of-COVID-VERSION-2.0
Announcements
Interim Guidance on the Clinical Management of Adult Patients…
> NOTE: The COVID-19 Living Clinical Practice Guidelines contains UPDATED recommendations and evidence summaries. Click here to be redirected to the COVID LCPG.
This Interim Guidance on the Clinical Management of Adult Patients with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19 Infection (Version 3.1) is an update of the March 31, 2020 guidelines released by the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. New evidence have been published since then necessitating this update.This document is written to guide clinicians and health care workers in their COVID-19 related management decisions. It is based on available scientific evidence that is also rapidly evolving, as more is discovered about the pathophysiology of SARS CoV-2 and the pathogenesis of the disease. As such, the recommendations in this guideline are based on limited, often low-quality evidence, and need to be carefully balanced with clinical judgment. The use of investigational drugs should be discussed with the patient or a legally authorized representative carefully outlining the potential adverse reactions and the potential clinical benefits of these investigational drugs. A signed informed consent should be obtained by the clinician.
DOWNLOAD the Interim Management Guidelines for COVID-19 (Version 3.1) here.
Final PCP-PSMID-PCCP COVID-19 Guidelines 20July2020b
Announcements
Risk Assessment of Surgeries in the Context of COVID-19
The performance of surgeries, especially elective surgeries, has been affected as healthcare facilities responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, surgery and other interventional procedures are invaluable aspects of healthcare even during disasters, mass casualty incidents, and even during pandemics. An organized and well-planned approach is needed to protect healthcare workers performing surgery and to rationally use available PPEs.
This document aims to provide guidance on how to assess the risk of COVID-19 transmission to the surgical team and recommend the necessary PPE to be used for every scenario. This is intended for surgeons, infectious disease specialists, internists and other physicians who will perform procedures or evaluate patients prior to such procedures. Other personnel involved in the surgical team might also find this document useful. Optimizing operating room infrastructure and other infection prevention and control measures are not within the scope of this document. Recommendations from this document may change as new evidence becomes available.
DOWNLOAD the Risk Assessment of Surgeries in the Context of COVID-19 document here.
PSMID-PHICS Guidelines for Risk Assessment of Surgeries during COVID19 26May2020
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Management of Patients with Probable or Confirmed COVID-19
Here is the latest treatment algorithm for the management of patients with probable or confirmed COVID-19.
Updated_COVID tx algorithm_July 20The Interim Management Guidelines for COVID-19 (Version 3.1) can be accessed here.
Clinical Practice Guidelines
Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Outpatient Clinic Resumption…
The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), Philippine Hospital Infection Control Society (PHICS), and Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) present the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Outpatient Clinic Resumption in the Context of COVID-19.
SARS-CoV2, the causative agent of COVID-19, is a highly transmissible virus that can infect both patients and healthcare personnel in the community, clinic, and hospital settings. The virus is spread efficiently from person to person primarily through large respiratory droplets. A secondary mode of transmission is through touching of surfaces contaminated by droplets containing the virus. The infectious dose, however, remains unknown.
The situation in the Philippines has rapidly evolved since we detected our first COVID-19 case in January 30, 2020. We now have over 11,000 confirmed cases and almost 800 deaths1. The surge of cases back in March 2020 led to the implementation of an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) with the goal of flattening the curve. In line with this, healthcare facilities and physicians decided to concentrate on inpatient care and temporarily discontinued the provision of outpatient services. A steady number of confirmed cases is currently being reported in the country daily. Based on this data, the national and local government units have decided to shift the ECQ to either a modified ECQ (MECQ) or a general community quarantine (GCQ) in different areas of the country. Once the MECQ or GCQ is implemented, outpatient services are expected to resume in order to cater to stable, ambulatory patients who may or may not be infected with SARS-CoV2.
The objective of this document is to guide clinicians in preparing for the re-opening of both hospital and non-hospital-based ambulatory care facilities, and for the resumption of outpatient services during this pandemic. Recommendations in this rapid guideline are based on best available evidence and may evolve as new evidence emerges. Thus, it is important to remember that guidelines cannot always account for individual variation among patients and are not intended to supplant physician judgment with respect to particular patients or special clinical situations. These guidelines will be updated as new evidence becomes available.