No Room for Assumptions: Covid-19 Preparedness Project

Abstract

Over the last 20 years, multiple global viral threats have been encountered, however, maybe none as far-reaching as COVID-19. In 2003, 21% of SARS cases involved healthcare workers (HCWs) and similar rates were observed for H1N1 and MERS. In studies that followed, elevated infection rates among HCWs were attributed to lack of proper personal protective equipment (PPE), improper training, and confusion surrounding infection control policy. HCWs at our institution expressed high stress levels regarding their own safety and the safety of their families. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still evolving, its infectivity rate amongst HCWs seems comparable, with Italian HCWs constituting 20% of infections as of March 21, 2020. The purpose of our project was to assess the impact of our pandemic preparedness project on HCWs competence and confidence.