Understandings of different policy learning types have matured over recent decades. However, relatively little is known about their nonlinear and interactive nature, particularly within crisis... Show moreUnderstandings of different policy learning types have matured over recent decades. However, relatively little is known about their nonlinear and interactive nature, particularly within crisis contexts. In this article, we explore how two of the most prominent learning types (instrumental and social) shifted and interacted during the COVID‐19 crisis. To do so, we created a policy learning storyboard of the Belgian COVID‐19 policy response over 2 years (from early 2020 to late 2021). Our analysis highlights the relationships between different epochs of instrumental and social learning throughout the crisis and their implications for policy change. Furthermore, while extant policy learning literature often posits that social learning unfolds over relatively long periods (spanning a decade or more), our empirical account shows that within certain conditions, creeping crises can lead to the creation of long‐term crisis policy‐making paradigms and goals. At this level, accelerated social learning can take place and lead to paradigmatic shifts within relatively shorter periods than in noncrisis conditions. Theoretically, our findings enhance our understanding of policy learning types and their relationships with policy change, particularly within crisis contexts. Show less
In this study, we examine how the two facets of the fear of terrorism—the affectiveand behavioural fears—shift over time. To this end, we use a unique longitudinal dataset of a representative... Show moreIn this study, we examine how the two facets of the fear of terrorism—the affectiveand behavioural fears—shift over time. To this end, we use a unique longitudinal dataset of a representative sample of 755 Dutch respondents, recruited from theLongitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel, in the time periodbetween November 2017 and May 2020. We find that the reported affective fear ofterrorism is significantly lower during the COVID‐19 crisis in 2020 than it was in2017. Yet a divergent trend for behavioural fear of terrorism occurred. In spite ofdecreased affective fear of terrorism threats, respondents in 2020 reportedincreased protective and avoidance behaviours, similar to behaviours promoted tostop the spread of COVID‐19. Show less
Grootveld, R. van; Paassen, J. van; Boer, M.G.J. de; Claas, E.C.J.; Kuijper, E.J.; Beek, M.T. van der; LUMC-COVID-19 Research Grp 2021
Background A high prevalence of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported, though histopathological evidence is frequently lacking. To assess the clinical significance of... Show moreBackground A high prevalence of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been reported, though histopathological evidence is frequently lacking. To assess the clinical significance of Aspergillus species in respiratory samples of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, we implemented routine screening for Aspergillus in tracheal aspirate (TA).Patients/methods From all adult COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), TA samples were collected twice a week for Aspergillus screening by PCR and or culture. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling was performed in patients with a positive screening result if possible. Clinical information was obtained from the electronic patient record and patients were categorised according to the recently published consensus case definition for CAPA.Results Our study population consisted of 63 predominantly (73%) male patients, with a median age of 62 years and total median ICU stay of 18 days. Aspergillus species were present in TA screening samples from 15 patients (24%), and probable CAPA was diagnosed in 11 (17%) patients. Triazole resistance was detected in one patient (14%). Concordance between TA and BAL was 86%, and all TA culture positives were confirmed in BAL. We were able to withhold treatment in three of fifteen patients with positive screening (20%) but negative BAL results.Conclusions Positive culture, molecular detection and or antigen detection of Aspergillus species do not equal infection. Until we understand the clinical relevance of Aspergillus species detected in respiratory samples of COVID-19 patients, minimal-invasive screening by TA is a feasible method to monitor patients. Positive screening results should be an indication to perform a BAL to rule out upper airway colonisation. Show less
