Knowledge Exchange: Teleconsultation Program Launched with Hospitals in BiH and ex-YU

(Patria) - Expert teams composed of experienced intensive care medicine specialists from the Bosnian-American Academy of Arts and Sciences (BHAAAS) are actively involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of their activities, BHAAAS members have begun teleconsultations with hospitals in Bosnia and Herzegovina and former Yugoslavia to assist local doctors and medical staff treating COVID-19 patients with their advice.

This program, conducted under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Sarajevo and the Mayo Clinic METRIC group, aims to exchange knowledge and experience in intensive medicine to protect critically ill patients, nurses, technicians, and doctors in the difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is based on the CERTAIN Workshop adapted to the current situation according to the "LESS IS MORE" principle in intensive care to prevent iatrogenic complications and protect medical staff and patients. In addition to access to rational and practical treatment guidelines recommended by international organizations (SCCM/ESICM), the program also consists of exchanging experiences and knowledge between colleagues in the region and the USA.

"As a doctor, first and foremost, and then as the President of BHAAAS, I appeal to all colleagues to join this initiative in as large numbers as possible and thus help to stop the pandemic as soon as possible and minimize its consequences as effectively as possible," said Dr. Mahira Tanović.

The tele-education and discussion are broadcast live on the YouTube channel, and questions can be asked via the WHO ICU Support chat group. The first broadcast was realized on March 24, 2020, while the second broadcast will be aired on YouTube on March 31, 2020.