The evolution and monitoring of infection control methods for COVID-19 at AUBMC and its impact on HCWs' practices

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic started in late 2019, causing an unprecedented disruption in the global scene. By mid-2022, international agencies issued recommendations to lift strict infection prevention and control (IPC) methods as the pandemic dwindled. However, following this laxity in IPC measures, several countries began to witness foci of COVID-19 and its variants outbreaks. Thus, healthcare institutions re-visited the enforcement of IPC measures within their communities to avoid the recurrence of the trauma they sustained during the pandemic. This internship project evaluates the understanding and application of IPC measures at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. It also compares the proposed interventions' – training and monitoring of adequate IPC use – effects on COVID-19 transmission rates among healthcare workers (HCWs). This project is conducted over a period extending from January to May 2023. This practicum adopts a before-after qualitative study design. It also integrates a semiquantitative component produced from the data collected through a survey offered to HCWs inquiring about their understanding of the importance of IPC measures and their adequate application. Tools employed are training modules, posters, leaflets, and relocating personal protective equipment. The findings reveal that despite the recent strict application of IPC measures during the COVID-19 pandemic but HCWs still have gaps in understanding and applying IPC measures appropriately. Results also shed light on the importance and impact of monitoring and continuous education. This project is of great public health relevance given that it addresses an essential aspect of mcommunicable diseases, and that is prevention and control. It focuses on the role of HCWs and stresses the importance of continued IPC to prevent future outbreaks.