Investigation of healthcare-associated SARS-CoV-2 infection: Learning outcomes from an investigative process in the initial phase of the pandemic.
J Infect Prev
; 23(5): 197-205, 2022 Sep.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1854724
ABSTRACT
Background:
Healthcare-associated (HCA) SARS-CoV-2 infection is a significant contributor to the spread of the 2020 pandemic. Timely review of HCA cases is essential to identify learning to inform infection prevention and control (IPC) policies and organisational response.Aim:
To identify key areas for improvement through rapid investigation of HCA SARS-CoV-2 cases and to implement change.Methods:
Cases were identified based on date of first positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR sample in relation to date of hospital admission. Cases were reviewed using a structured gap analysis tool to identify key learning points. These were discussed in weekly multidisciplinary meetings to gain consensus on learning outcomes, level of harm incurred by the patient and required actions. Learning was then promptly fed back to individual teams and the organisation.Findings:
Of the 489 SARS-CoV-2 cases admitted between 10th March and 23rd June 2020, 114 suspected HCA cases (23.3%) were reviewed; 58/489 (11.8%) were ultimately deemed to be HCA. Five themes were identified individual patient vulnerability, communication, IPC implementation, policy issues and organisational response. Adaptations to policies based on these reviews were completed within the course of the initial phase of the pandemic.Conclusion:
This approach enabled timely learning and implementation of control measures and policy development.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
J Infect Prev
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
17571774221092553
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