Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Proper strategies to minimize the risk of infection in individuals handling the bodies of deceased persons infected with 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are urgently needed.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to first scope, and then assess the effects of, specific strategies for the management of the bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Methods: We searched on March 26, 2020 five general electronic databases, four COVID-19 specific electronic databases, and three Chinese databases. We searched for guidance documents providing practical advice on the handling of bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Then, we sought primary evidence of any study design on COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. We also searched for evidence relevant to contextual factors (i.e., acceptability, feasibility, resource use and impact on equity).
Results: We identified 23 guidance documents providing practical advice on the steps of handling the bodies: body preparation, packing, and others and advice on the handling of the dead bodies and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by individuals handling them. We did not identify COVID-19 evidence relevant to any of these steps. We identified one study proposing an uncommon strategy of handling autopsies for severe acute respiratory syndrome patients. The study provided very low certainty evidence that it reduced the risk of transmission.
Conclusions: While a substantive number of guidance documents propose specific strategies, we identified no study providing direct evidence for the effects of any of those strategies. While this review highlights major research gaps, it allows interested entities to build their own guidance based on the identified guidance documents.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Patient involvement is not applicable, however the findings of this review will inform the response of the World Health Organization on the safe management of the bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection in this pandemic.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to first scope, and then assess the effects of, specific strategies for the management of the bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
Methods: We searched on March 26, 2020 five general electronic databases, four COVID-19 specific electronic databases, and three Chinese databases. We searched for guidance documents providing practical advice on the handling of bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Then, we sought primary evidence of any study design on COVID-19 and other coronaviruses. We also searched for evidence relevant to contextual factors (i.e., acceptability, feasibility, resource use and impact on equity).
Results: We identified 23 guidance documents providing practical advice on the steps of handling the bodies: body preparation, packing, and others and advice on the handling of the dead bodies and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by individuals handling them. We did not identify COVID-19 evidence relevant to any of these steps. We identified one study proposing an uncommon strategy of handling autopsies for severe acute respiratory syndrome patients. The study provided very low certainty evidence that it reduced the risk of transmission.
Conclusions: While a substantive number of guidance documents propose specific strategies, we identified no study providing direct evidence for the effects of any of those strategies. While this review highlights major research gaps, it allows interested entities to build their own guidance based on the identified guidance documents.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: Patient involvement is not applicable, however the findings of this review will inform the response of the World Health Organization on the safe management of the bodies of deceased persons with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection in this pandemic.