Innovation is an important aspect of caring for COVID-19 patients and Tampa General Hospital is involved in several national efforts, as well as independent research, to find potential treatments.
"TGH is participating in a national registry, called the Healthcare Worker Exposure Response & Outcomes (HERO) Registry, which invites U.S. healthcare workers at participating sites to share clinical and life experiences to better understand the perspectives and problems faced by those on the COVID-19 pandemic front lines," said Tampa General CEO John Couris.
The health system is also participating in national studies, including:
- A study that enrolls healthcare workers in a national registry to determine whether hydroxychloroquine, an investigational drug, can help prevent COVID-19 infections.
- Research to determine whether infusions of antibody-rich plasma from recovering COVID-19 patients can treat those who are severely ill.
- A trial of a monoclonal antibody in a new indication to modulate the body's immune response to prevent lung and organ damage.
Internally, Tampa General is conducting an independent trial to conclude whether hydroxychloroquine is effective to treat COVID-19. It is also working on a project testing whether nasal swabs created with a 3D printer are as effective as traditional swabs, which are in short supply.