key: cord-0693954-4fd08h65
authors: Kuhn, Lisa; Lim, Zheng Jie; Flynn, Daphne; Potter, Eden; Egerton-Warburton, Diana; Bumpstead, including: Suzanne; Engelhard, Monika; Bhatt, Chhavi Raj; Harrison, Julia; Jona, Madeleine; Bakos, Cynthia-Lee
title: Safety briefing and visual design key to protecting health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
date: 2020-06-26
journal: Am J Infect Control
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.06.186
sha: 0c985005294ad9ee5f70eae69e22c8ea71de5547
doc_id: 693954
cord_uid: 4fd08h65

[Figure: see text]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread changes as countries echo the call for millions to stay at home in an attempt to limit transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that is responsible for the COVID-19 infection. Healthcare personnel (HCP), on the other hand, continue to serve on the front line. With their being a limited, human resource, it is paramount that the safety of HCP is not compromised 1 . At our health service in Victoria, Australia, we have implemented a human factorcentric education model with the aim to maximise safety through key messages and clear communication. The importance of cognitive aids for education of HCP is important to maximise their safety. As countries transition to an endemic phase of COVID-19 and the rate of asymptomatic carriage increases, we aim to use these aids to reduce danger to HCP, patients and the community. We believe it is important to reinforce the need to consider all potential dangers when managing COVID-19 patients ("The D (danger) comes first"). The DRSABCD mnemonic actively used in critical care and resuscitation is displayed to relay the acuity of the situation 3 . This will encourage the health care team to respond ("R" in DRSABCD) appropriately by applying PPE.

Hand hygiene compliance has been effective in reducing hospital-acquired infections 4 , and remains vital during a pandemic to reduce viral spread in HCP and patients with known, suspected or unknown COVID-19. Through active and passive social distancing, we aim to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission between HCP, patients and community. The reinforcement of adherence to PPE and double-checking PPE fit with a co-worker minimises risk a virus transmission to other HCP and patients. The briefing is designed to be multidisciplinary and inclusive of the whole HCP team.

Part of the safety model is the wellness check for HCP. Finally, closed loop feedback and communication allows for active updates to our education model to ensure continued relevance for all HCP staff.

With the use of human factors, our education model aims to become a cognitive aid for all HCP to maintain safety during the pandemic. A recent study identified suboptimal hand hygiene and long duty hours as risk factors for COVID-19 transmission to HCP 5 . Therefore, one must consider other factors apart from PPE to prevent transmission of COVID-19. The use of easily identifiable infographics with simple and consistent shift briefings allows for the rapid communication of information to HCP across multiple hospitals, whilst maintaining message recognition. A culture of safety and confidence amongst HCP during this pandemic will not only ensure their safety, but also that of their patients and the community.

Supporting the Health Care Workforce During the COVID-19 Global Epidemic

Sourcing Non-Medical Grade Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for use in healthcare worker (HCW) Training

Effects of the Australian National Hand Hygiene Initiative after 8 years on infection control practices, health-care worker education, and clinical outcomes: a longitudinal study

Risk Factors of Healthcare Workers with

Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

We have read and understood the policy on conflict of interests and declare the following interests:None