Regular testing of asymptomatic healthcare workers identifies cost-efficient SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures

Abstract

Protecting healthcare professionals is crucial in maintaining a functioning healthcare system. The risk of infection and optimal preventive strategies for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic remain poorly understood. Here we report the results of a cohort study that included pre- and asymptomatic healthcare workers. A weekly testing regime has been performed in this cohort since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify infected healthcare workers. Based on these observations we have developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission that integrates the sources of infection from inside and outside the hospital. The data were used to study how regular testing and a desynchronisation protocol are effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 infection at work, and compared both strategies in terms of workforce availability and cost-effectiveness. We showed that case incidence among healthcare workers is higher than would be explained solely by community infection. Furthermore, while testing and desynchronisation protocols are both effective in preventing nosocomial transmission, regular testing maintains work productivity with implementation costs.

Fatores associados à contaminação e internação hospitalar por COVID-19 em profissionais de enfermagem: estudo transversal

“…Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, hundreds of professionals were contaminated and many died as a result of the disease. Although it is not always possible to establish the care provided as the source of infection, even when the professionals directly care for patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, a number of research studies indicate a higher risk for healthcare workers when compared to the general population 11 - 18 .…”

Oncofertility and COVID-19: At the Crossroads between Two Time-Sensitive Fields

“…Universal screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection is important for detecting asymptomatic clinical patients who follow fertility treatment [ 59 , 60 ]. All patients seeking FP clinics should make triage [ 61 , 62 ], and the periodic testing of healthcare workers is needed to decrease nosocomial infection rates [ 103 ], even for those vaccinated. The protection measures implemented by the fertility clinics to protect both patients and medical staff divided the staff into shifts, limited staff–patient interaction, sanitized the equipment and implemented strictness regarding the refilling of cryobanks.…”

Rates of COVID-19 infection among in vitro fertilization patients undergoing treatment at a university reproductive health center

“…Although prior studies have proven the cost-efficiency of routine testing for asymptomatic healthcare workers, hospitalized patients, and college students, no data have specifically assessed gynecologic and infertility patients [ 23 – 26 ].…”