Occupational exposure to severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and risk of infection among healthcare personnel.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate and factors associated with healthcare personnel (HCP) testing positive for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after an occupational exposure. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center with sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Florida. PARTICIPANTS: HCP with a high or medium risk occupational exposure to a patient or other HCP with SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We reviewed the records of HCP with significant occupational exposures from March 20, 2020, through December 31, 2020. We then performed regression analysis to assess the impact of demographic and occupational variables to assess their impact on the likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: In total, 2,253 confirmed occupational exposures occurred during the study period. Employees were the source for 57.1% of exposures. Overall, 101 HCP (4.5%) tested positive in the postexposure period. Of these, 80 had employee sources of exposure and 21 had patient sources of exposure. The postexposure infection rate was 6.2% when employees were the source, compared to 2.2% with patient sources. In a multivariate analysis, occupational exposure from an employee source had a higher risk of testing positive compared to a patient source (odds ratio [OR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-6.04). Sex, age, high-risk exposure, and HCP role were not associated with an increased risk of testing positive. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following a significant occupational exposure has remained relatively low, even in the prevaccination era. Exposure to an infectious coworker carries a higher risk than exposure to a patient. Continued vigilance and precautions remain necessary in healthcare settings.

COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on the Well-Being of Professional Pilots.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate the well-being of professional pilots using a survey that included the World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index.METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to pilots between June 17-August 2, 2021. Pilots self-categorized as: airline transport pilot (ATP), commercial pilot, or both. Chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate differences between variables. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of impaired well-being.RESULTS: A total of 639 individuals returned the survey. The majority of respondents were ATPs and a majority identified as male. The average well-being score was 68.0 out of 100 possible, with 22% of respondents meeting the threshold definition of impaired well-being. The odds of having impaired well-being were not dependent on gender. In unadjusted analysis, the odds of impaired well-being were higher for those flying as commercial pilots as compared to airline transport pilots/both. Age was also strongly associated with impaired well-being, with younger pilots having greater odds of impaired well-being as compared to older pilots. Only a little over half of the surveyed pilots agreed or strongly agreed that pilot risk of occupational exposure to COVID-19 was appropriately controlled.CONCLUSION: This survey suggests an important connection between pilot age and impaired well-being scores during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies targeting the well-being of younger pilots will be of interest. Additionally, measures to reduce occupational risk of COVID-19 exposure may be helpful in view of the substantial fraction of pilots expressing concern regarding that risk.Stratton E, Haddon R, Murad MH, Petterson T, Nelson M, Cowl CT. COVID-19 pandemic effects on the well-being of professional pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(10):734-738.

PG70 Using high fidelity simulation to prepare trainee advanced critical care practitioners for independent practice

PG70 Table 1Summarised results from questionnairesTheme % Change in confidence Pre vs. Post-Course Post-Course vs. Delayed Clinical knowledge +46.4 -14.6 Practicing within own limitations +12.8 -2.3 Raising concerns +19.4 +2.3 Assessing and treating the unwell patient +48.3 0 Communicating to the MDT +69.2 0 Awareness of the impact of human factors +69.2 0 Discussion and ConclusionThis pilot course suggests trainee ACCPs benefit greatly from targeted high fidelity simulation despite limited previous exposure.Confidence in clinical knowledge was not sustained at immediate post-course levels after three months, perhaps due to decay of skills or exposure to more challenging cases in practice. The delayed survey coincided with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic which may have had an impact.Further evaluations could review the longevity of the benefits from simulation to guide how regularly to offer future sessions.The benefits realised from this pilot will lead to further provision of high fidelity simulation for trainee ACCPs.