Health surveillance program for CoViD-19 in hospital

ABSTRACT

Background and Aim: In February 2020, the pandemic phase of CoViD-19 began in Italy. Healthcare workers were at the forefront of care and were immediately exposed to the risk of infection. Aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the health surveillance system on the spread of infections in a health population Materials and Methods: The cases of infection in the period February 2020 - February 2021 were examined, compared to the number of molecular swabs performed on the health personnel of the F. Miulli Regional Hospital, in Acquaviva delle Fonti (BA). Results: A total of 14,133 molecular swabs were performed (on average 1,177 per month), finding 169 positive cases (equal to 1.19% of total swabs), on average 14 cases per month. The program included a schedule for performing swabs based on the level of risk of the healthcare staff. The tracking system put in place by the prevention service made it possible to minimize the spread of the infection. In addition, a continuous training program for operators on the use of personal protective equipment has been established, with random checks on correct use. Discussion: The health surveillance system, through the execution of periodic molecular swabs for all staff, together with the constant use of personal protective equipment, has made it possible to minimize the spread of the infection in the population of health workers with considerable benefits also on the safety level of hospitalized patients.