Infection preventionists’ experiences during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Findings from focus groups conducted with Association of Professionals in Infection Control & Epidemiology (APIC) members

Abstract

Introduction A novel human Coronavirus (SARS CoV-2) was identified in January, 2020 and developed into a pandemic by March, 2020. This rapid, enormous, and unanticipated event had major implications for healthcare. Infection preventionists (IP) have a critical role in worker and patient safety. IPs’ lessons learned can guide future pandemic response. Methods Seven focus groups were conducted with APIC members in September and October, 2020 via Zoom to elicit IPs’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sessions were recorded then transcribed verbatim. Major themes were identified through content analysis. Results In total, 73 IPs participated (average of 10 IPs per focus group) and represented all geographical areas and work settings. Participating IPs described multiple challenges they have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including rapidly changing and conflicting guidance, a lack of infection prevention recommendations for nonacute care settings, insufficient personal protective equipment, healthcare personnel complacency with personal protective equipment and infection prevention protocols, and increases in healthcare associated infections and workload. Conclusions The identified gaps in pandemic response need to be addressed in order to minimize healthcare associated infections and occupational illness. In addition, the educational topics identified by the participating IPs should be developed into new educational programs and resources.

Associations among infection prevention professionals' mental/physical health, lifestyle behaviors, shift length, race, and workplace wellness support during COVID-19

“…IPs come from diverse professional backgrounds (eg, epidemiologists, nurses, doctors, public health professionals, microbiologists), and have played a critical role in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) in acute and outpatient settings. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IPs have had to manage rapidly changing prevention guidance, shortages in personal protection equipment, and increases in HAIs and workload, 1 which have added substantial stress to their job.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on an infection prevention and control program, Iowa 2020-2021

“… 28 Also, rapidly changing and conflicting guidelines by different authorities was another challenge preventing the IPC program from implementing the best evidence-based practices regarding COVID-19. 29 Rebmann et al reported that IPs believed that frequent changes in protocols, staff turnover, and limited resources contributed to increasing HAIs rate. 29 They also reported that increased workload may indirectly impact the rate of HAI because of less attention to observations and inaccurate surveillance.…”

“… 29 Rebmann et al reported that IPs believed that frequent changes in protocols, staff turnover, and limited resources contributed to increasing HAIs rate. 29 They also reported that increased workload may indirectly impact the rate of HAI because of less attention to observations and inaccurate surveillance. The IPs reported that rapidly evolving changes, and conflicting guidelines and recommendations regarding COVID-19 related IPC practices were a major challenge.…”

Challenges in managing, sustaining, and assessing closed point of dispensing sites: Findings from a qualitative study

“…In addition, LTCFs were found to have less access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and lacked infection prevention guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 23 ]. These gaps were due to prioritizing PPE for acute care settings versus LTCFs and a general lack of trained infection preventionists working in LTCFs that have existed across healthcare settings even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic [ 23 , 24 ]. Therefore, it may not be prudent for disaster planners to leave healthcare sites out of closed POD training.…”