COVID-19 and the risk to health care workers: Is it possible to prevent nosocomial transmission?

Abstract

Aim: Health employees are the key point in the struggle against the disease and in-hospital transmission during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Hospital contamination poses a serious risk for both healthcare personnel and social transmission. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the COVID-19 positivity and prevention strategies in healthcare personnel. Materials and Methods: The SARS-CoV-2 PCR results examined among health employees for all reasons were retrospectively collected. Combined nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples were used. Real-time PCR was used for testing. With the epidemic, the pandemic preparation process started in our hospital. All in-hospital organization was prepared in steps. Training programs and practical applications were put into practice. Results: Among 1054 active health personnel, 682 underwent 876 tests. Only 2 people (0.3%) were identified as positive for SARS-CoV-2 on PCR tests. In the total number of tests, the positivity rate was identified as 0.22%. In this period, no health employee developed severe disease, and no personnel died due to COVID-19. Discussion: Creating effective health strategies with a preparation process, together with in-hospital organization and training, and the use of appropriate and sufficient personal protective equipment, are highly effective in protecting healthcare personnel and preventing hospital-borne transmission.