Awareness, Practices and Barriers related to infection prevention and control among physicians during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission. Despite the development of several vaccines, inequitable distribution and vaccine hesitancy impact their role in protecting HCWs. Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practice remains a cornerstone in preventing disease spread in health facilities and in communities. Objectives: The study aims to measure knowledge and practices of physicians in relation to COVID-19 infection prevention and control. It also aimed to identify perceived barriers facing IPC practice. Method: In this cross-sectional study, we used an online survey to collect data from physicians working in a university hospital in Cairo throughout June-July, 2020. The survey included 12 items for knowledge, 8 items for practice and 6 items for perceived barriers. Scores for knowledge and practice of IPC were calculated and transformed into percent scores. Results: Three hundred and eighteen (318) physicians responded to the survey. The mean knowledge percent score was 57.1±15.9. Participants knew the least about facemasks and gloves protectiveness. The mean percent score for IPC practice was 78.8±12.2. Less than a quarter of physicians "always" used N95 mask during all patient care procedures or did a seal test when donning one. Overcrowded emergency departments, improper work place design, shortage in IPC supplies and insufficient training were the main barriers to IPC practice cited by almost 90% of the study participants. Conclusion: Physicians in our study had average IPC Knowledge score compared to other studies. Continuous IPC training can largely improve IPC knowledge and practice among physicians.