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Jaślan D, Rosiński J, Wałaszek M, Majewska R, Szczypta A, Wójkowska-Mach J, Różańska A. Polish infection control nurses' job satisfaction and cooperation with their colleagues reflect how the value of infection control is appreciated by other health care workers: findings from surveys conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2023; 12:76. [PMID: 37559154 PMCID: PMC10413731 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-023-01284-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention and control (IPC) is based on the activity of specialized, trained and highly qualified personnel, especially infection control nurses (ICNs). Effective implementation of IPC procedures demands close cooperation between IPC teams (IPCTs) and hospital personnel. Based on disturbing results on the epidemiology of health care-associated infections (HAIs) and compliance with preventive procedures, we suspect that cooperation between ICNs and different groups of hospital staff is poor. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of ICNs working in Polish hospitals with regard to difficulties in working with various professional groups in the hospital, their organizational conditions, and their job satisfaction before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study was conducted twice, in 2014 and 2021, among ICNs working in Polish hospitals. The survey used an anonymous questionnaire designed by the authors. RESULTS In 2014, 183 ICNs participated in the study, and 175 ICNs participated in 2021. The respondents' average age and seniority (duration of work as an ICN) were higher in 2021. Depending on the ward specialty, approximately 30-48.8% of the ICNs had difficulty cooperating with physicians. However, the ICNs declared better cooperation with nurses in various hospital wards and with other professionals. For some groups of hospital staff, there was a negative correlation between poor cooperation and ICNs' job satisfaction. The job satisfaction data were disturbing; for example, more than half of the respondents considered changing jobs, and the lack of a sense of purpose in their work was declared by 29.7% of ICNs in 2014 and by 54.3% of ICNs in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that infection prevention and control is not highly appreciated by health care workers and hospital management. Our study reveals difficulties in ICNs' cooperation with hospital staff and managers in both 2021 and 2014, moderate job satisfaction, a high level of willingness to change jobs, and insufficient training in interpersonal skills and the implementation of changes. These findings clearly indicate an urgent need to introduce modern competence development systems in infection control beyond the scope of traditional training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Jaślan
- Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Czysta 18, Kraków, 31-121, Poland
| | - Jerzy Rosiński
- Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Jagiellonian University, ul. Łojasiewicza 4, Kraków, 30-348, Poland
| | - Marta Wałaszek
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Applied Sciences in Tarnów, ul. Mickiewicza 8, Tarnów, 33-100, Poland
| | - Renata Majewska
- Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Kopernika 7, Kraków, 31-034, Poland
| | - Anna Szczypta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, ul. Herlinga-Grudzińskiego 1, Kraków, 30-705, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach
- Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Czysta 18, Kraków, 31-121, Poland
| | - Anna Różańska
- Chair of Microbiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, ul. Czysta 18, Kraków, 31-121, Poland.
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Radziejewska J, Arkowski J, Susło R, Kędzierski K, Wawrzyńska M. Analysis of COVID-19 Incidence and Protective Potential of Persisting IgG Class Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hospital Staff in Poland. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1198. [PMID: 37515014 PMCID: PMC10383555 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071198] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to both SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccines are of key importance in prevention efforts. In April and May 2020, 703 study participants tested for COVID-19 by PCR tests were registered. In June and July 2020, they were examined for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG. From October 2020 to January 2021, those among the study population with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR tests were registered, and the same group of participants was invited to be examined again for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. In June 2020, antibodies were detected in only 88% of those who had PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in April-May 2020, which suggests that a significant proportion of persons in the Polish population do not produce antibodies after contact with SARS-CoV-2 antigens or rapidly lose them and reach levels below the lab detection limit. The levels of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were significantly lower among people who previously had COVID-19 than for those who had received COVID-19 vaccination, which confirms the high immunogenicity of the vaccines against COVID-19 in the Polish population. The study confirms that a detectable level of IgG class anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cannot be considered a reliable marker of the presence and strength of COVID-19 immunity preventing individuals from acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacek Arkowski
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Robert Susło
- Epidemiology and Health Education Unit, Population Health Department, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Bujwida 44, 50-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Kędzierski
- Department of Medical Emergencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Ul. Parkowa 34, 51-616 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wawrzyńska
- Centre for Preclinical Studies, Wrocław Medical University, Ul. Marcinkowskiego 1, 53-220 Wroclaw, Poland
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Żółtowska B, Barańska I, Jachowicz E, Sydor W, Maziarz B, Mydel K, Różańska A, Wizner B, Rosiński J, Kossowska M, Głomb K, Wójkowska-Mach J. The Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among HealthCare Workers in University Hospital in Krakow before the Era of Vaccination. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074044. [PMID: 35409727 PMCID: PMC8997762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Knowledge of occupational health is crucial to the safety of healthcare workers in the pandemic period. The aim of our study was the rating of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in connection with selected demographic, social, and organizational factors, as well as the identification of key elements determining the safety of HCWs and patients of the University Hospital in Krakow. Methods: This was a non-interventional, uncontrolled, open, single-center, cross-sectional online survey on the preparedness for the COVID-19 epidemic and the seroprevalence of medical and non-medical HCWs and students. Serum specimens from 1221 persons were tested using an immunoassay analyzer based on the ECLIA technique for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies IgM + IgG. Results: The total seroprevalence was 42.7%. In medical students it was 25.2%, while in physicians it was 43.4% and in nurses/midwives it was 48.1%. Of those who tested positive, 21.5% did not know their serological status. The use of personal protective equipment did not have any significant impact on the result of testing for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The risk of developing the disease was not influenced by sex, professional work experience, workplace, or intensity of contact with the patient. Among the studied elements, only care of COVID-19 patients significantly increased the risk. The protective factor was starting work between the waves of the epidemic (June–September 2020). Conclusions: PPE is only one element of infection prevention and control—without other components, such as hand hygiene, it can be dangerous and contribute to self-infection. It is also very important to test healthcare workers. Not being aware of the COVID-19 status of HCWs poses a threat to other staff members, as well as patients and the family and friends of the infected. Thus, extreme caution should be applied when employing respirators with exhalation valves during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Żółtowska
- Center for Innovative Therapy, Clinical Research Coordination Center, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (B.Ż.); (W.S.)
| | - Ilona Barańska
- Laboratory for Research on Aging Society, Department of Sociology of Medicine, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-034 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Estera Jachowicz
- Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (E.J.); (J.W.-M.)
| | - Wojciech Sydor
- Center for Innovative Therapy, Clinical Research Coordination Center, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; (B.Ż.); (W.S.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Maziarz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-066 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Mydel
- Deputy Director for Coordination and Development, University Hospital in Krakow, 30-688 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Anna Różańska
- Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (E.J.); (J.W.-M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Wizner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-688 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Rosiński
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; (J.R.); (M.K.)
| | - Magdalena Kossowska
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; (J.R.); (M.K.)
| | - Kaja Głomb
- Faculty of Management and Social Communication, The Institute of Applied Psychology, Jagiellonian University, 30-348 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach
- Chair of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-121 Krakow, Poland; (E.J.); (J.W.-M.)
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Alsuliman T, Alasadi L, Kasem RA, Hawat M, Almansour M, Al Khalaf R, Alhalabi M. Assessment of medical students' preparedness and willingness for integration into a war-torn healthcare system: the example of COVID-19 pandemic scenario. Med Confl Surviv 2021; 38:31-48. [PMID: 34913769 DOI: 10.1080/13623699.2021.2015828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In Syria, medical students were placed on call to provide sufficient human resources during COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to explore the ability and willingness of the final-year medical students to assist during COVID-19 in the Syrian war-torn and fragile health-system. Final-year Syrian medical students were approached between 9th-17th April 2020 through an online questionnaire. Students' COVID-19-related medical knowledge (5-point score), clinical judgement (5-point score), and preparedness and willingness to integrate in healthcare facilities were assessed. A 10-point score was created, and linear regression and Tukey's HSD test were conducted. 1673 valid responses were received, of which 1199 (71.66%) responses were from the final-year students. Of the latter, 728 (60.71%) scored 4 points or higher in the medical knowledge score (mean 3.69 points), while 298 (24.85%) scored 4 or higher in the clinical judgement score. Final-year students scored significantly higher than the fourth-year students in the clinical judgement score. Finally, 682 (56.88%) of the final-year students expressed willingness to volunteer with healthcare teams. Final-year medical students may provide medical aid, on voluntary basis, by working in fragile health systems during pandemics. However, this should be undertaken in cases of extreme need. Sufficient personal protective measures, intensive training, and adequate supervision should be guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamim Alsuliman
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Department, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Lugien Alasadi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Majd Hawat
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | | | - Ruba Al Khalaf
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marwan Alhalabi
- Division of Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Cheng C, O'Donnell S, Humphreys H. Medical education, the COVID-19 pandemic, and infection prevention: There has never been a better time. J Hosp Infect 2021; 119:187-188. [PMID: 34848295 PMCID: PMC8627300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Cheng
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S O'Donnell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - H Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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