Characteristics and transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in healthcare workers at a London teaching hospital

Abstract

Background Healthcare worker (HCW)-associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is of global concern due to the potential for nosocomial spread and depletion of staff numbers. However, the literature on transmission routes and risk factors for COVID-19 in HCWs is limited. Aim To examine the characteristics and transmission dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in HCWs in a university teaching hospital in London, UK. Methods Staff records and virology testing results were combined to identify staff sickness and COVID-19 rates from March to April 2020. Comparisons were made with staff professional groups, department of work, and ethnicity. Findings COVID-19 rates in our HCWs largely rose and declined in parallel with the number of community cases. White and non-White ethnic groups among our HCWs had similar rates of infection. Clinical staff had a higher rate of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 than non-clinical staff, but total sickness rates were similar. Doctors had the highest rate of infection, but took the fewest sickness days. Critical care had lower rates than the emergency department (ED), but rates in the ED declined when all staff were advised to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion Sustained transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among our hospital staff did not occur, beyond the community outbreak, even in the absence of strict infection control measures in non-clinical areas. Current PPE appears to be effective when used appropriately. Our findings emphasize the importance of testing both clinical and non-clinical staff groups during a pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 and Health Care Worker Protection in Low-Risk Settings: a Review of Modes of Transmission and a Novel Airborne Model Involving Inhalable Particles

“…The authors therefore concluded that the patterns observed were consistent with multiple introductions into the hospitals through community-acquired infections. Similarly, studies are pointing to community transmission dynamics and public policies (e.g., universal mask-wearing) as the main drivers of HCWs infection (161)(162)(163).…”

Attitude and Behaviors towards SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study from Poland

“…In particular, the administrative staff of hospitals, ambulatory and medical universities belong to the mentioned group. Possibly, the lack of appropriate medical education as well as increased exposition of this group to infectious material makes them one of the possible infectious vectors, including SARS-CoV-2 [ 4 , 12 , 13 ]. Moreover, the level of vaccination coverage among HCW for other infectious diseases like flu, rubella, tetanus, etc.…”

Risk of COVID-19 Transmission from Infected Outpatients to Healthcare Workers in an Outpatient Clinic

“…The proportion of HCWs working in outpatient clinics among all infected HCWs is reported to be as low as 2.7%–6.9%. 4 9 The brief interaction time, low rate of performing aerosol-generating procedures, and low frequency of direct contact in outpatient clinics could be possible reasons for the low transmission rate of COVID-19 in such settings. Previous studies have reported that using N95-equivalent masks and face shields were associated with lower transmission rate.…”