scholarly journals Perspective of healthcare workers regarding self-protection during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
Alshahrani et al. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Infection Control Team ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Control Team ◽  
Self Protection

The aim of this study was to assess the perception of healthcare workers regarding self-protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The novel COVID-19 pandemic has completely changed the dynamic of governments, social lives, global economy, and health care systems priorities. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are one of the most group of people at risk of acquiring the infection, especially those who are taking care of COVID-19 patients. This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among HCWs during the period between May to July 2020 in Saudi Arabia. More than 70% of participating HCWs were able to access the personal safety policies and procedures in the workplace and COVID-19 treatment algorithm. In addition, the presence of an infection control team was also present in most of the institutes. The most common accessible personal protective equipment was hand gel sanitizer (89.9%), followed by disposable gloves (82.5%) and disposable masks (78.9%). More than 75% of participants reported that their institute has a special infection control team during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the respondents (~75%) believe that their institute would take all necessary measurements to protect their personal integrity at work. Several precautionary measures were undertaken appropriately by the Saudi Government to overcome the COVID-19 immediate and futuristic consequences. Personal protective equipment and protective measures would be crucial for public health if implemented appropriately during highly spreading infections (e.g., COVID-19) to minimize the transmission and preserve health

scholarly journals COVID-19 infections among Healthcare Workers and Transmission within Households

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Schwartz ◽  
Camille Achonu ◽  
Sarah A. Buchan ◽  
Kevin A. Brown ◽  
Brenda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Bias

AbstractImportanceProtecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 is a priority to maintain a safe and functioning healthcare system. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 to family members is a source of stress for many.ObjectiveTo describe and compare HCW and non-HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, as well as the frequency of COVID-19 among HCWs’ household members.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing reportable disease data at Public Health Ontario which captures all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comparing demographic, exposure, and clinical variables between HCWs and non-HCWs with COVID-19 as of 14 May 2020. We calculated rates of infections over time and determined the frequency of within household transmissions using natural language processing based on residential address.Exposures and OutcomesWe contrasted age, gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation (including asymptomatic and presymptomatic), exposure histories including nosocomial transmission, and clinical outcomes between HCWs and non-HCWs with confirmed COVID-19.ResultsThere were 4,230 (17.5%) HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, of whom 20.2% were nurses, 2.3% were physicians, and the remaining 77.4% other specialties. HCWs were more likely to be between 30-60 years of age and female. HCWs were more likely to present asymptomatically (8.1% versus 7.0%, p=0.010) or with atypical symptoms (17.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.001). The mortality among HCWs was 0.2% compared to 10.5% of non-HCWs. HCWs commonly had exposures to a confirmed case or outbreak (74.1%), however only 3.1% were confirmed to be nosocomial. The rate of new infections was 5.5 times higher in HCWs than non-HCWs, but mirrored the epidemic curve. We identified 391 (9.8%) probable secondary household transmissions and 143 (3.6%) acquisitions. Children < 19 years comprised 14.6% of secondary cases compared to only 4.2% of the primary cases.Conclusions and RelevanceHCWs represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario but with low confirmed numbers of nosocomial transmission. The data support substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of general population cases. Protecting HCWs through appropriate personal protective equipment and physical distancing from colleagues is paramount.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with COVID-19?FindingsIn this population-based cross-sectional study there were 4,230 healthcare workers comprising 17.5% of COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 5.5 times higher than the general population with 0.8% of all healthcare workers, compared to 0.1% of non-healthcare workers.MeaningHigh healthcare worker COVID-19 burden highlights the importance of physical distancing from colleagues, appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as likely substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of COVID-19 in the general population.

scholarly journals Impact of enhanced personal protective equipment on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
pp. postgradmedj-2020-139150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramanathan Swaminathan ◽  
Bimantha Perera Mukundadura ◽  
Shashi Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Mental Well Being

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare workers in patient-facing roles. We describe the impact on the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE consistently.MethodsWe conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals who use enhanced PPE. A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to evaluate the effects on individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Physical and mental impact was assessed through a visual analogue scale.ResultsProspective analysis of the views of 72 respondents is reported. 63.9% were women and 36.1% were men. Physical impact included exhaustion, headache, skin changes, breathlessness and a negative impact on vision. Communication difficulties, somnolence, negative impact on overall performance and difficulties in using surgical instrumentation were reported.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the undeniable negative impact on the front-line healthcare workers using enhanced PPE and lays the ground for larger multicentric assessments given for it to potentially be the norm for the foreseeable future.

scholarly journals Practices of Healthcare Workers regarding Infection Prevention in Bale Zone Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Demisu Zenbaba ◽  
Biniyam Sahiledengle ◽  
Daniel Bogale
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bale Zone

Introduction. In Ethiopia, infection prevention to protect patients, healthcare workers, and visitors from healthcare-acquired infections is one of a number of nationwide transformational initiatives to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services. The aim of this research was to assess the practice of healthcare workers regarding infection prevention and its associated factors in Bale zone Hospitals. Methods. A cross-sectional study targeted 402 healthcare workers using simple random sampling to learn about their practices related to infection prevention. Data were collected in interviews using pretested, structured questionnaires. Returned questionnaires were checked for completeness and then data were entered into a database and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was calculated to determine the strength of association, and variables with a p value <0.05 in the final model were considered as statistically significant. Results. Three hundred ninety-four healthcare workers participated in the study. Of these; 145 (36.8%, 95% CI 32, 42%) of them were found to have self-reported good infection prevention practice. Good knowledge towards infection prevention (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.02, 3.31), availability of personal protective equipment (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.16, 3.32), and water (AOR = 4.42, 95% 2.66, 7.34) at workplace were found to have a statistically significant association with healthcare workers self-reported good infection prevention practices. Conclusions. In this study, slightly more than one-third of the healthcare workers reported to have good infection prevention practice. Good knowledge towards infection prevention, working in departments, availability of personal protective equipment, and water at work place were found to have statistically significant association with self-reported good infection prevention practices.

scholarly journals Infection Control Practices among Laboratory Healthcare Workers in an Urban Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-96
Author(s):  
Omobola Ojo ◽  
Adeyinka Adeniran ◽  
Olayinka Goodman ◽  
Bisola Adebayo ◽  
Esther Oluwole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Local Government Area ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Limited Availability ◽  
Wide Range

Background: Laboratory healthcare workers do handle a wide range of potentially dangerous materials which exposes them to numerous hazards. This study aimed to assess the practices of laboratory health care workers towards safety, infection control and the associated factors to its practices. Case Presentation: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 181 laboratory healthcare workers in all registered 33 laboratory facilities in Ikeja Local Government Area in 2017. Data were collected with pre-tested, structured self-administered questionnaires. Data analysed with SPSS version 20 and p-value of < 0.05. The mean age of respondents was 35.0 ± 2.45 years, most of whom were females (57.7%) and married (61.1%). The majority (98.9%) demonstrated good knowledge of infection control. A total of 62.3% identified hand washing as the most important infection control practice while HIV and Tuberculosis were diseases respondents majorly considered as high risk of contracting. A total of 84.6% of the respondents showed good practices. Limited availability of personal protective equipment in the laboratories was a major barrier identified by 98.1% of respondents. Respondents displayed good knowledge, attitude and practice of infection control. Discussion and Conclusion: Barrier to infection control was the limited availability of personal protective equipment. Therefore, concerted efforts should be mustered to ensure continuous training and retraining with the provision of personal protective equipment.        

scholarly journals COVID-19 Guidelines to Protect Healthcare Workers at Hospitals and Dental Professionals at Dental Office

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bassel Tarakji ◽  
Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽  
Faisal Mehsen Alali ◽  
Abdulwahab A. Abuderman
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Office ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Dental Professionals

BACKGROUND፡ Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. This study aimed to address the preventive procedures to protect healthcare workers at hospital to avoid COVID-19, and infection control procedures to protect dental professionals in dental office.METHODS: We conducted a search of published articles from PubMed, google scholar databases using key words such as COVID-19, healthcare worker, infection control, and dental practice. Relevant articles were identified and reviewed. Most published papers were clinical reports and case studies. We have selected some of the current published papers written in English in 2020.RESULTS: Infection control procedures to protect health workers at hospitals, and dental professionals at dental office were summurised and presented. Infection control procedures for healthcare workers at hospitals include Personal protective equipment, Korea filter (KF)94 respirator, goggles, face protector,disposable waterproof long-arm gown, and gloves, and others. Extra-protection procedures should be taken with old and vulnerable healthcare workers. Dental professionals should evaluate patients in advance before starting dental treatment. Aerosols generating procedures should be avoided and personal protective equipment should be used. Dental treatment should be restricted to emergency cases only.CONCLUSION: Old medical staff should be in safer distance to avoid infection, but young physicians and nurses should work at frontline as their immunity is better than their colleagues at old age. Screening patients and measurement of the body temperature are essential measures before dental treatment.

scholarly journals Protocols and safety measurements used in intubation of COVID-19 patients

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Fouad Bogari ◽  
Nada Mohmmad Alharbi ◽  
Mohammed Abdulrahman Alaqlan ◽  
Turki Salem Aljaza ◽  
Ali Ibrahim Alibrahim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Anesthesia Equipment ◽  
Proper Disposal

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many countries to pose an emergency to contain the contamination and prevent the further spread of the infection. In this context, many societies and research papers were published to optimize guidelines and protocols for patients undergoing surgery and subsequent intubation. Accordingly, infection control is a critical approach to reduce the rate of contamination and risk of catching infections for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. As a result, various guidelines were discussed in the current literature review, including guidelines to the patient, healthcare workers, operating room, anesthesia equipment, and patient transportation. For instance, healthcare workers can protect themselves from catching infections by wearing personal protective equipment and conducting adequate disinfection measures following each operation, in addition to the proper disposal of the contaminated objects. Strictly following these protocols should be done to reduce the risk of contamination in the operating room and enhance the outcomes of the patients and healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Determining the source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a healthcare worker

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nasia Safdar ◽  
Gage K. Moreno ◽  
Katarina M. Braun ◽  
Thomas C. Friedrich ◽  
David H. O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Worker ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Hospital Infection Control ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
N95 Respirators ◽  
Cumulative Prevalence

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection from their interactions with patients and in the community (1, 2). Limited availability of recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), in particular N95 respirators, has fueled concerns about whether HCWs are adequately protected from exposure while caring for patients. Understanding the source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a HCW – the community or the healthcare system – is critical for understanding the effectiveness of hospital infection control and PPE practices. In Dane County, Wisconsin, community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is relatively low (cumulative prevalence of ~0.06% – positive cases / total population in Dane county as of April 17). Although SARS-CoV-2 infections in HCWs are often presumed to be acquired during the course of patient care, there are few reports unambiguously identifying the source of acquisition.ObjectiveTo determine the source of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a healthcare worker.

scholarly journals Management of a Hospital-Wide COVID-19 Outbreak Affecting Patients and Healthcare Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (12) ◽  
pp. 2540-2545
Author(s):  
Steffen Höring ◽  
René Fussen ◽  
Johannes Neusser ◽  
Michael Kleines ◽  
Thea Laurentius ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Spatial Separation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Infection Control Team ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Control Team

AbstractTo the best of our knowledge, here, we describe the first hospital-wide outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that occurred in Germany in April 2020. We aim to share our experience in order to facilitate the management of nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks in healthcare facilities. All patients and hospital workers were screened for SARS-CoV-2 repeatedly. An infection control team on the side was installed. Strict spatial separation of patients and intensified hygiene training of healthcare workers (HCW) were initiated. By the time of reporting, 26 patients and 21 hospital workers were infected with a cluster of cases in the geriatric department. Fourteen patients developed COVID-19 consistent symptoms and five patients with severe pre-existing medical conditions died. The outbreak was successfully contained after intensified infection control measures were implemented and no further cases among patients were detected over a period of 14 days. Strict application of standard infection control measures proved to be successful in the management of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

DELIVERING INTENSIVE CARE TO COVID-19 PATIENTS WHILE PROTECTING THEMSELVES: CHALLENGES FACED BY FRONT LINE ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-21
Author(s):  
Monica Chhikara ◽  
Prashant Kumar ◽  
Priyanka Bansal ◽  
Reena Mahajan ◽  
Preeti Gehlaut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Airway Management ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Central Venous ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Junior Residents

Background and Objectives: Frontline anaesthesiologist working in Covid 19 Intensive care units are the key to the management and containment of this infectious disease. Hence, their protection is of utmost importance in managing this epidemic. The equipment used for this purpose, pose technical difculties. This study is a survey of these challenges faced by anaesthesiologists. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross sectional questionnaire based study which included 67 Anesthesiologist junior residents, senior residents and consultants. A valid Google form Questionnaire regarding technical difculties due to use of personal protective equipment was prepared and sent online to all participants. The responses were recorded and tabulated. Results: Physical fatigue due to PPE was experienced by 36(53.7%) residents and difculties in airway management by 66(98.5%) residents. Fogging of goggles was the major difculty (52.2%) during airway management. Intubation while using only PPE (71.6%) was a preferred method of intubation rather than using acrylic box (4.5%) or transparent sheet (23.9%). Apart from managing airway, other procedures like central venous cannulation was found to be always difcult (23.9%). Training program for managing pandemic was found to be helpful and 70.1% residents expressed the need for its conduct before every posting. Conclusion: Managing Covid 19 patients in a highly demanding area like intensive care units while using personal protective equipment has unveiled special challenges and concerns for frontline anaesthesiologists. Addressing them appropriately is the need of hour for the wellbeing of healthcare workers and effective patient management.

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