Covid-19: the role of infection control in protecting the healthcare workersin Viet Nam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dinh Binh Tran
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Viet Nam ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Work Pressure

Protecting healthcare workers (HCWs) is a top priority in COVID-19 pandemic at this time. HCWs who carry the pathogens will increase the risk of infecting their patients, their colleagues as well as the community. Therefore, HCWs must follow the guidance of preventive measures issued by the Ministry of Health to ensure safety, although that means they have to work under uncomfortable condition. That is the reason why the role of surveillance and assessment the risk of infection is extremely critical. Only with regular and continuous supervision, with instructions and reminders, can HCWs effectively prevent the COVID-19 infection, especially while being under intensity - work pressure of the current situation.

scholarly journals Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0258700
Author(s):  
Daniel Sanchez-Taltavull ◽  
Violeta Castelo-Szekely ◽  
Shaira Murugan ◽  
Jonathan I. D. Hamley ◽  
Tim Rollenske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Community Infection

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a cohort study that included pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. A weekly testing regime has been performed in this cohort since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify infected healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

scholarly journals Cloth masks as respiratory protections in the COVID-19 pandemic period: evidence gaps

2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina de Oliveira e Silva ◽  
Ana Maria de Almeida ◽  
Maria Eliane Moreira Freire ◽  
Jordana de Almeida Nogueira ◽  
Elucir Gir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Virus Retention

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify scientific evidence on the effectiveness of using cloth masks as safe protectors against COVID-19. Method: an integrative review of articles available in full obtained at PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Controlled, non-controlled descriptors and keywords such as “mask”, “home-made” and “cloth” or “cotton” and “infection control” or “infection prevention” were used. Results: thirty-eight articles were selected; of these, seven studies made up the sample. Evidence shows that cloth masks do not have the same protective characteristics as surgical masks, indicating an increased risk of infection due to humidity, diffusion of fluids, virus retention, and improper preparation. Considering the shortage of surgical masks during the pandemic, cloth masks could be proposed as a last resort. Conclusion: cloth masks should be used together with preventive measures, such as home insulation, good respiratory conduct, and regular hand hygiene.

scholarly journals The Significance of Duration of Exposure and Circulation of Fresh Air in SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Among Healthcare Workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Vlacha ◽  
Gavriela Feketea ◽  
Athanasia Petropoulou ◽  
Sebastian Daniel Trancá
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Regional Health ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Index Cases

Background: The true risk of infection after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the workplace has not yet been established. This descriptive study analyzes the exposure characteristics of HCWs to SARS-CoV-2.Methods: In March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, a total of 58 HCWs in a regional hospital in Greece were exposed to three patients with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. These three index cases had taken part in an 8-day religious tour, during which 52 travelers spent 10 h every day in a tour bus. A study was made of the circumstances of the hospital exposure.Results: Of the 52 travelers in the bus, 48 contracted SARS-CoV2. None of the 58 HCW contacts developed symptoms related to COVID-19, although, 43% were exposed to a SARS-CoV-2 infected patient for more than 15 min, and 74% were within a distance of <1 m, and half of the contacts were not wearing a surgical mask. Additional information was that 63% of the contacts were exposed in a room sized more than 15 m2, and in more than 80% of cases, the window or the door to the room was open during their exposure. In about one-third of the exposure events, the HCW contacts were not wearing a mask and were at a distance of <1 m, and just under half of them were exposed for more than 15 min. One-fourth of the contacts underwent RT-PCR testing, and 11% IgG/IgM antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2, all of which were negative. All observed quarantine at home for 14 days.Conclusion: This observational study was made before the extent of the SARS-CoV-2 became apparent, and before routine preventive measures were observed by all HCWs. Comparing the conditions of exposure in the two different settings (bus vs. regional health facility), it is apparent that the duration of exposure and the small, enclosed nature of the bus are the distinguishing factors. In the healthcare setting, the elimination of both factors and the implementation of additional measures protected the exposed HCWs from contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIEL SANCHEZ-TALTAVULL ◽  
Violeta Castelo-Szekely ◽  
Shaira Murugan ◽  
Tim Rollenske ◽  
Stephanie C. Ganal-Vonarburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Preventive Strategies ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Implementation Costs ◽  
Sources Of Infection ◽  
Cost Efficient ◽  
Community Infection

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a weekly testing regime that has been performed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

scholarly journals Impact of BNT162b2 vaccination and isolation on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Israeli households: an observational study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maylis Layan ◽  
Mayan Gilboa ◽  
Tal Gonen ◽  
Miki Goldenfeld ◽  
Lilac Meltzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Data Augmentation ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Credible Interval ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Household Transmission ◽  
Index Cases

Background Massive vaccination rollouts against SARS-CoV-2 infections have facilitated the easing of control measures in countries like Israel. While several studies have characterized the effectiveness of vaccines against severe forms of COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 infection, estimates of their impact on transmissibility remain limited. Here, we evaluated the role of vaccination and isolation on SARS-CoV-2 transmission within Israeli households. Methods From December 2020 to April 2021, confirmed cases were identified among healthcare workers of the Sheba Medical Centre and their family members. Households were recruited and followed up with repeated PCR for a minimum of ten days after case confirmation. Symptoms and vaccination information were collected at the end of follow-up. We developed a data augmentation Bayesian framework to ascertain how age, isolation and BNT162b2 vaccination with more than 7 days after the 2nd dose impacted household transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Findings 210 households with 215 index cases were enrolled. 269 out of 687 (39%) household contacts developed a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of those, 170 (63%) developed symptoms. Children below 12 years old were less susceptible than adults/teenagers (Relative Risk RR=0.50, 95% Credible Interval CI 0.32-0.79). Vaccination reduced the risk of infection among adults/teenagers (RR=0.19, 95% CI 0.07-0.40). Isolation reduced the risk of infection of unvaccinated adult/teenager (RR=0.11, 95% CI 0.05-0.19) and child contacts (RR=0.16, 95% CI 0.07-0.31) compared to unvaccinated adults/teenagers that did not isolate. Infectivity was significantly reduced in vaccinated cases (RR=0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.70). Interpretation Within households, vaccination reduces both the risk of infection and of transmission if infected. When contacts were not vaccinated, isolation also led to important reductions in the risk of transmission. Vaccinated contacts might reduce their risk of infection if they isolate, although this requires confirmation with additional data. Funding Sheba Medical Center.

scholarly journals Self-reported COVID-19 among physicians: An Egyptian online study during the pandemic

F1000Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 785
Author(s):  
Hala Samir Abou-ElWafa ◽  
Abdel-Hady El-Gilany ◽  
Ahmed A. Albadry
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Online Study ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Laboratory Investigations ◽  
Survey Monkey ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers

Abstract:  Background: COVID-19 causes a critical occupational risk to frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) who respond to the pandemic, as they are placed in environments with an increased risk of infection exposure. It is a public health priority to understand how transmission occurs to protect this vulnerable group of HCWs. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of self-reported COVID-19 infection among physicians and its possible associated factors. Methods: An online national survey using Survey Monkey was initiated to collect sociodemographic e.g. age and sex, occupational e.g. place and duration of work, and clinical data e.g. COVID symptoms and laboratory investigations, and to describe affected physicians' diagnoses. Results: The self-reported incidence of COVID-19 infection was found to be 65.4% among studied physicians. The significant independent predictors of COVID-19 infection were  smoking, working as a frontline physician, having contact with a COVID-19 case, and working for less than ten years [ARR (95% CI): 3.0(1.6-5.7), 2.3(1.4-3.8), 2.1(1.2-3.6), and 1.8(1.2-2.9); respectively]. Conclusions: The incidence of COVID-19 infection among Egyptian physicians is relatively high. Smoking, being a frontline physician, having contact with a COVID-19 case, and working for less than 10 years are all factors associated with an increased risk of infection. There should be strict application of preventive measures, periodic screening for COVID-19 for early detection and isolation of infected HCWs together with effective vaccination.

AWARENESS OF PREVENTION OF COVID-19 AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN KOLKATA

2021 ◽  
pp. 66-70
Author(s):  
Suchismita Koley ◽  
Indraneel Dasgupta
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Common People ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Co Morbidity

Introduction: The recent corona virus infection is known as sars-cov-2 or covid-19. The infection rst started in the Wuhan province of China and gradually spread to other countries. On March 12th 2020 it was declared as pandemic by WHO. Extraordinary measures are being adopted to combat the formidable spread of the ongoing outbreak. Under such conditions, people's adherence to preventive measures is greatly affected by their awareness of the disease. Aim:To assess the knowledge of preventive measures of Covid-19 disease and its related infection control practices among healthcare workers to minimise the risk of transmission. Material and methods: This is an questionnaire based observational prospective survey on the awareness, knowledge and infection control practices related to Covid 19 infection in the healthcare setting and conducted from May 2020 to September 2020- to collect the data and October 2020 to January 2021 for thesis writing, statistical analysis, discussion and conclusion. This survey involves the doctors, nursing staffs, paramedical staffs, lab technicians and other people who helps in transporting the patients and the people who handles the biomedical wastes. Total 430 participants were taken. Result: Majority of the health care workers were answered that it is caused by virus (89.1%), the virus can spread from one person to another (89.4%), the virus can be prevented (90.4%), symptoms of the virus was not common cold (94.2%), it is not occurred at certain period of the year (84.7%) and the COVID-19 symptoms are worse with any Co morbidity (83.2%). Health care workers were answered that common symptom of this disease is headache (94.7%), Sore throat (91.6%), Vomiting (92.6%), Persistent cough (96.7%), Running nose(92.6%), Sneezing (95.1%), Muscle aches(93.0%), abdominal pain (93.0%), Fever (96.7%), Diarrhea (92.6%) and Feels tired (93.5%). Conclusion: This research was help common men to understand the intensity of infection and its symptoms and precaution. It will help out common people to be aware of the threatens level of virus in society and counsel him that it's with everyone, rather than only with him. We suggested that the knowledge of preventive measures of Covid-19 disease and its related infection control practices among healthcare workers to minimise the risk of transmission.

scholarly journals Coronavirus 2019 Silver Linings

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amelia Santosa ◽  
Gail Cross ◽  
Jolene Ee Ling Oon ◽  
Sophia Archuleta ◽  
Yock Young Dan
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Collective Knowledge ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Learning Journey ◽  
Hospital Team

Abstract A heightened state of alert due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was declared by the Singapore Ministry of Health on February 7, 2020. Within the hospital, team reorganizations, workflow revisions, and physical segregation caused anxiety among healthcare workers (HCWs). Fear of the unknown and emotional and physical fatigue started to take their toll on HCWs. We share our learning journey over the first 8 weeks of COVID-19: the importance of acknowledging fears and questions, and transforming them to collective knowledge; the role of empathic, hands-on leadership that brings camaraderie and calms scepticism; the importance of validating efforts and acknowledging hardship; and, most importantly, the security that comes from camaraderie, breaking down hierarchical barriers, and motivating each other to keep on going.

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