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Strukcinskiene B, Valotkiene Z, Jurgaitis J, Grigoliene R, Genowska A. Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination in Frontline Healthcare Workers. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:199. [PMID: 38400182 PMCID: PMC10891992 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the immune response to vaccination against COVID-19 in 534 healthcare frontline workers in Vilnius, Lithuania. The incidence of COVID-19 was reduced significantly after vaccination started in the healthcare sector. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected in groups V-VII and this level of antibodies was found to be effective in preventing COVID-19. Sustained immune response was achieved after two vaccination doses, which remained stable for up to 6 months. After the booster dose, antibody levels remained high for an additional 12 months. Although SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels decreased after 6 months, even lower levels of antibodies provided protection against the Delta strain. The booster dose distributed the antibody titer in the high-level antibody groups, offering maximum protection at 12 months. However, even individuals with high antibody titers were observed to contract COVID-19 after vaccination with a booster dose and 6 months in the presence of the Omicron strain. Unfortunately, high levels of antibodies did not provide protection against the new strain of COVID-19 (the Omicron variant), posing a risk of infection. When comparing the antibody titer of vaccinated participants without COVID-19 and those with COVID-19, the change in antibodies after vaccination was significantly lower in infected participants. Individuals with comorbidities and specific conditions had lower antibody levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birute Strukcinskiene
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Klaipeda University, LT-92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania; (Z.V.); (J.J.)
| | - Zydre Valotkiene
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Klaipeda University, LT-92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania; (Z.V.); (J.J.)
- Epidemiology Sub-Division, Infection Control Department, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, LT-08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jonas Jurgaitis
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Klaipeda University, LT-92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania; (Z.V.); (J.J.)
| | - Rasa Grigoliene
- Faculty of Marine Technologies and Natural Sciences, Klaipeda University, LT-92294 Klaipeda, Lithuania;
| | - Agnieszka Genowska
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland
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Caixeta DA, do Carmo MAV, da Fonseca FG, Nogueira DA, Coelho LFL, Malaquias LCC. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital workers in the southern region of Minas Gerais state in Brazil: An analysis of the pre-vaccine period. Braz J Microbiol 2023:10.1007/s42770-023-00966-8. [PMID: 37052752 PMCID: PMC10099019 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-00966-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection seroprevalence can be performed by detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The survey is essential to understand the disease transmission's dynamic in the studied population. This study aimed to carry out a seroepidemiological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in three hospitals located in the south of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. 859 samples were collected from August to December 2020 when SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were still not available and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed on participants sera. The average age of participants was 38 years, and most were women (71.4%). Likewise, most participants were classified as health professionals with direct or indirect contact with patients with COVID-19 (74.5%). The other participants tested belonged to other sectors, such as the administrative one (11,6%). Considering clinical symptoms, 15.8% of participants reported diarrhoea, 6.4% fever, 5.8% respiratory distress, and 7.0% loss of smell and taste. Many participants reported contact with infected patients (63.35%). Regarding the ELISA tests, 21.6% of the participants had positive results and hospital 3 had the highest positivity (21.7%), followed by hospital 2 (21.6%) and hospital 1 (20.3%). The prevalence was higher in women compared to men (22,8% and 18,7%, respectively). Regarding the area of expertise, the highest positivity (20.9%) was observed among health professionals. However, professionals who worked exclusively with COVID-19 had lower positivity when compared to professionals who did not work directly with COVID-19 (22.0% and 21.5%, respectively). When analysing the correlation between the ELISA tests with the other variables, a significant association was detected with these previous serological variables, previous contact with COVID-19 and the presence of fever symptoms, loss of smell and taste. Clinical symptoms associated with serological tests are important tools for monitoring the disease among health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Flávio Guimarães da Fonseca
- Universidade Federal de Alfenas, Alfenas, MG, Brazil
- Departamento de Microbiologia/Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brasil
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Prasithsirikul W, Pongpirul K, Nopsopon T, Phutrakool P, Pongpirul W, Samuthpongtorn C, Suwanwattana P, Jongkaewwattana A. Immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Booster Vaccination Following Two CoronaVac Shots in Healthcare Workers. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:217. [PMID: 35214675 PMCID: PMC8878194 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries, including Thailand, provided two shots of CoronaVac to healthcare workers. Whereas ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 is the promising vaccine as the booster dose, the data on immunogenicity when administered after CoronaVac have been limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 as the third dose vaccine in healthcare workers who previously received two shots of CoronaVac. The blood samples were obtained before the third vaccination dose, and one month and three months after vaccination. All participants were measured for humoral immunity including anti-spike IgG and neutralizing antibody by ELISA. Twenty participants were stratified by random samples based on baseline IgG status for a cellular immunity function test at three-month post-vaccination, which included T cell and B cell functions by ELISpot. This study showed significant improvement for both humoral and cellular immunity one month after vaccination. Subgroup analysis indicated a significantly higher neutralizing antibody improvement for the population with a negative anti-spike IgG at baseline. Our study suggests that, while immunity level declines at three months post-vaccination, the level was sufficiently high to protect against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisit Prasithsirikul
- Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (W.P.); (W.P.); (C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Krit Pongpirul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Clinical Research Center, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Tanawin Nopsopon
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Phanupong Phutrakool
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Wannarat Pongpirul
- Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (W.P.); (W.P.); (C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Chatpol Samuthpongtorn
- Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (W.P.); (W.P.); (C.S.); (P.S.)
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pawita Suwanwattana
- Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand; (W.P.); (W.P.); (C.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Anan Jongkaewwattana
- National Center of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand;
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Somboro AM, Cissoko Y, Camara I, Kodio O, Tolofoudie M, Dembele E, Togo ACG, Ba DM, Sarro YDS, Baya B, Samake S, Diallo IB, Kumar A, Traore M, Kone B, Kone A, Diarra B, Dabitao DK, Wague M, Dabo G, Doumbia S, Holl JL, Murphy RL, Diallo S, Maiga AI, Maiga M, Dao S. High SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence among Healthcare Workers in Bamako, Mali. Viruses 2022; 14:102. [PMID: 35062306 PMCID: PMC8780908 DOI: 10.3390/v14010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Mali, a country in West Africa, cumulative confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) remain enigmatically low, despite a series of waves, circulation of SARS-CoV-2 variants, the country's weak healthcare system, and a general lack of adherence to public health mitigation measures. The goal of the study was to determine whether exposure is important by assessing the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in HCWs. The study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2021. HCWs in the major hospitals where COVID-19 cases were being cared for in the capital city, Bamako, Mali, were recruited. During the study period, vaccinations were not yet available. The ELISA of the IgG against the spike protein was optimized and quantitatively measured. A total of 240 HCWs were enrolled in the study, of which seropositivity was observed in 147 cases (61.8%). A continuous increase in the seropositivity was observed, over time, during the study period, from 50% at the beginning to 70% at the end of the study. HCWs who provided direct care to COVID-19 patients and were potentially highly exposed did not have the highest seropositivity rate. Vulnerable HCWs with comorbidities such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma had even higher seropositivity rates at 77.8%, 75.0%, and 66.7%, respectively. Overall, HCWs had high SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, likely reflecting a "herd" immunity level, which could be protective at some degrees. These data suggest that the low number of cases and deaths among HCWs in Mali is not due to a lack of occupational exposure to the virus but rather related to other factors that need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anou M. Somboro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X5, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Yacouba Cissoko
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
| | - Issiaka Camara
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ousmane Kodio
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mohamed Tolofoudie
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Etienne Dembele
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Antieme C. G. Togo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djibril M. Ba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA;
| | - Yeya dit Sadio Sarro
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bocar Baya
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Samake
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Ibrahim B. Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Alisha Kumar
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Mohamed Traore
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Bourahima Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Amadou Kone
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Bassirou Diarra
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Djeneba K. Dabitao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamadou Wague
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Garan Dabo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Seydou Doumbia
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Jane L. Holl
- Department of Neurology and Center for Healthcare Delivery Science and Innovation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Robert L. Murphy
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Souleymane Diallo
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Almoustapha I. Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (E.D.); (A.K.); (M.T.); (R.L.M.)
| | - Sounkalo Dao
- University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) Laboratory, University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako PB 1805, Mali; (Y.C.); (I.C.); (O.K.); (M.T.); (A.C.G.T.); (Y.d.S.S.); (B.B.); (S.S.); (I.B.D.); (B.K.); (A.K.); (B.D.); (D.K.D.); (M.W.); (G.D.); (S.D.); (S.D.); (A.I.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Point “G” University Teaching Hospital, Bamako PB 1805, Mali
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Moon KJ, Shon S, Cho H, Sung M, Kang JY, Choi Y. Operationalization of an Expanded Anteroom in a COVID-19–Dedicated Hospital in South Korea. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221092818. [PMID: 35426764 PMCID: PMC9014350 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221092818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The concentration of patients in a few facilities burdens healthcare providers and the healthcare system. This study examined the operations of an extended anteroom in a COVID-19–dedicated hospital. It presents issues to consider in the deployment and operation of an extended anteroom through discussions by expert working groups. The subjects covered included efficient space, staffing, equipment management, and education. The process involved wearing personal protective equipment (personal protective equipment; in this case, Level D), and if necessary, wearing additional powered air purification respirators (PAPR), after moving from the preparation room to the dressing room, and when entering the hospital through the entrance passage. When leaving the hospital, personnel used a mandatory exit-only passage. In the dressing room, they undressed, and then went outside. The efficient spatial composition of the anteroom facilitated entry and exit, as well as the separation of contaminated and non-contaminated areas using colors and lines. As COVID-19 spread rapidly in the community, COVID-19–dedicated hospitals were established highly quickly. Therefore, there exists a limitation because sufficient discussion with external experts has not been made. In the future, the development of an operating manual for dedicated infectious disease hospitals and continued research into the improvement of care is needed. This study indicated the need to develop educational programs and use educational simulations, to address regionally spread infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hwasook Cho
- Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | - Minseo Sung
- Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Korea
| | | | - Younsuk Choi
- Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Daegu, Korea
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