• Published on: May 31, 2021
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody Cocktail" 

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REGN-COV2 – Artificial "antibody cocktail" 

Recently a new drug was approved for use in COVID patients in India. Known as REGN-COV2, this new therapy is based on monoclonal antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID. So how does it work? And is there any evidence behind the treatment?

Monoclonal antibodies are made from components of the human immune system. When the human body recognizes a bacteria or virus in the body, the immune system recognizes and processes proteins on the surface of that bacteria or virus. This is presented to the adaptive immune system, and antibodies have produced that lock onto these surface proteins, neutralizing their function and also tagging them for destruction by other white blood cells.

If we identify antibodies capable of efficiently tagging and neutralizing a certain virus, we can identify the cell capable of producing that antibody, clone it and produce it in vast quantities. The antibodies produced from this cloned cell line will be able to target the virus at the same efficiency and have the same ability to neutralize the virus. Just like with vaccines, there is a risk of mutations developing, resulting in changes in the surface protein that reduce binding and neutralizing effects of the antibodies, allowing them to escape and continue to cause disease

REGN-COV2 uses two neutralizing antibodies (Casirivimab/imdevimab), in an effort to minimize the ability of a mutant virus to develop resistance against the antibody cocktail, as the virus would need to develop mutations canceling both antibodies out at once. These antibodies neutralize the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, preventing viral entry through ACE2 receptors.

In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (one of the most prestigious journals in the medical field) data from 275 patients showed a drastic reduction in viral load in patients treated with REGN-COV2. This is clinically significant as hospitalized patients with severe symptoms have higher viral counts than non-hospitalized or asymptomatic patients, suggesting the hypoxaemic, shortness of breath symptoms are related to the viral count and resulting exaggerated immune response.

Based off this result the European Medicines Agency approved the use of REGN-COV2 antibody cocktail in patients who do not require supplemental oxygen but are at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.

FDA regulations currently recommend it for patients who are COVID positive with risk factors that may result in their hospitalization but do not recommend it for patients who are already hospitalized, requiring O2 therapy because of COVID or need chronic O2 therapy.

Those that fall into the high-risk categories include patients with a high BMI (over 35), diabetes, on immunosuppressive treatment or with an immunosuppressive disease, over 65 years of age or those with chronic diseases such as renal disease, cardiovascular disease, COPD, or other developmental disorders.

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Patients

Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff: Building Trust, Engagement, and Wellbeing

Healthcare is built on relationships. While diagnosis, treatment and technology are critical, the human connection between patients and healthcare staff remains central to healing and recovery. A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is a thoughtful initiative designed to strengthen these relationships by creating opportunities for interaction outside routine clinical environments.

In today’s healthcare systems, patient engagement and staff wellbeing are recognised as essential components of quality care. Monthly field days provide a structured yet informal platform to support both.

 

What Is a Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff?

A Monthly Field Day is a planned engagement event where patients and healthcare staff come together to participate in non-clinical activities. These events focus on:

  • interaction
     

  • wellbeing
     

  • communication
     

  • community-building
     

They are not medical appointments but shared experiences that promote trust and understanding.

 

Why Field Days Matter in Healthcare

Healthcare Is Emotionally Demanding

Patients often experience anxiety, fear and uncertainty. Staff face long hours, emotional stress and high responsibility. Field days offer a space for:

  • relaxed interaction
     

  • emotional connection
     

  • mutual understanding
     

This humanises care delivery.

 

Strengthening Patient–Staff Trust

Trust grows through:

  • open communication
     

  • shared experiences
     

  • consistent engagement
     

Field days reduce perceived barriers between patients and healthcare teams.

 

Benefits for Patients

Improved Comfort and Confidence

Patients feel more at ease when they know the people involved in their care beyond clinical roles.

 

Better Engagement in Care

Engaged patients are more likely to:

  • ask questions
     

  • follow care plans
     

  • attend follow-ups
     

This leads to improved health outcomes.

 

Emotional and Social Wellbeing

Social interaction, light activity and positive experiences support mental and emotional health, especially for patients with chronic conditions.

 

Benefits for Healthcare Staff

Reduced Burnout

Regular non-clinical engagement helps:

  • reduce emotional fatigue
     

  • restore motivation
     

  • improve job satisfaction
     

 

Stronger Team Relationships

Shared activities strengthen teamwork and communication among staff members.

 

Renewed Sense of Purpose

Seeing patients outside stressful clinical settings reinforces the meaningful impact of healthcare work.

 

Organisational Benefits

Enhanced Patient-Centered Culture

Field days reinforce values of empathy, accessibility and respect.

 

Improved Patient Satisfaction

Trust and familiarity contribute to better patient experiences and feedback.

 

Better Communication and Feedback

Informal settings encourage honest dialogue, helping organisations understand patient needs and expectations.

 

Activities Commonly Included in Field Days

Wellness Activities

  • gentle exercises
     

  • stretching or yoga
     

  • breathing sessions
     

 

Educational Interactions

  • health awareness talks
     

  • preventive care discussions
     

  • lifestyle guidance
     

 

Recreational and Social Activities

  • group games
     

  • creative sessions
     

  • interactive challenges
     

These activities promote joy, connection and inclusion.

 

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Effective field days are:

  • inclusive of different age groups
     

  • adaptable for physical limitations
     

  • culturally sensitive
     

  • welcoming and non-competitive
     

Inclusivity ensures meaningful participation for all.

 

Why Monthly Frequency Works Best

Monthly scheduling:

  • maintains continuity
     

  • builds long-term trust
     

  • prevents disengagement
     

  • supports gradual relationship building
     

Consistency transforms engagement into culture.

 

Evidence Supporting Engagement Initiatives

Research shows that:

  • patient engagement improves health outcomes
     

  • staff wellbeing reduces errors and burnout
     

  • relationship-based care enhances satisfaction
     

Global health frameworks emphasise people-centred care models.

 

Measuring the Impact of Field Days

Impact can be evaluated through:

  • patient feedback
     

  • staff engagement surveys
     

  • participation rates
     

  • qualitative testimonials
     

Regular assessment helps refine the program.

 

Implementing a Successful Monthly Field Day

Key elements include:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear objectives
     

  • simple, inclusive activities
     

  • consistent scheduling
     

  • feedback-driven improvement
     

Success depends on commitment rather than scale.

 

Long-Term Impact on Healthcare Culture

Over time, Monthly Field Days contribute to:

  • stronger trust
     

  • improved communication
     

  • better morale
     

  • enhanced care experience
     

They reinforce the idea that healthcare is a partnership between people.

 

Conclusion

A Monthly Field Day with Patients & Staff is more than an engagement activity—it is a meaningful investment in trust, wellbeing and human connection. By creating shared experiences beyond clinical settings, healthcare organisations strengthen relationships that directly influence care quality and satisfaction. In an environment often driven by efficiency and outcomes, monthly field days remind us that compassion, communication and community remain at the heart of effective healthcare.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – People-Centred Care and Patient Engagement

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Patient Experience and Care Quality Studie

  •  Lancet – Patient–Provider Relationships and Health Outcomes

  • National Health Systems Resource Centre – Community Engagement in Healthcare

  • Indian Journal of Healthcare Management – Staff Wellbeing and Patient Satisfaction

  • Statista – Healthcare Engagement and Experience Trends

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