Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the knowledge of new traditional biological threats caused by fungi, protozoa, bacteria resistant to antibiotics, and viruses. The thesis takes a hint from the epidemic caused by the Ebola virus in 2014 which affected some countries from west Africa. It focuses on describing and analyzing the causes, the management, the operations and the devastating effects of the epidemic both in Africa and in the rest of the world. 

This work also concentrates on the critical analysis of certain aspect of organizational ineffectiveness and late health interventions, especially in the first phase of the epidemic. This does not only include local health workers that were totally inadequate and ineffective to tackle such a serious health problem, but also the response of world-governmental organizations whose response was late only until when the situation became threatening for major Western countries. 

The study used as a scenario that included the figure of a nurse which add fundamental importance to the study. Although, a high tribute was paid to the highest casualties who were being infected by the Ebola virus, especially in African countries. 

This work describes the procedures for intervention in the management of cases suspected of Ebola virus infection drawing on experience in the field of Nurses who worked directly within the scenarios in Africa, and especially from the experience that was covered in the 'University Hospital of Modena, In particular the nursing staff  that were involved in the drafting and implementation of the procedure, the choice of personal protective equipment, the preparation and the organization of training courses for the staff involved; which emphasizes the degree of preparation and knowledge, that nurse have in their  “wealth of cultural and formative experience”.