Managing protection and surveillance of health workers during COVID-19: German multi-centre survey

Abstract

Abstract Background Health workers face a higher risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic than the average population, yet we know very little on how protection is managed in daily practice. The aim of this study is to contribute new empirical data on the management of protection in clinical settings with a focus on surveillance, using Germany as case study. Methods We draw on material gathered in multi-centre hospital surveillance online surveys in Germany, which are part of a national COVID-19 University Research Network (project B-FAST). Selected indicators include tools, strategies and access to protection, with a focus on the composition of new surveillance teams; n = 100 responses, comprising n = 33/92% of all university medical centres; n = 67/18% of participating hospitals in two German Federal States in March 2021. Results Three major strategies of protection were identified: expanding services, information and access for all health workers in the clinical setting; establishing novel surveillance teams to protect hospital employees comprising hotline, testing and tracing teams; creating large-scale in-house vaccination programs in accordance with national vaccination prioritisation policy of health workers. The composition of the surveillance teams showed high variation in relation to professional groups/skills and status. In particular, hospital hygienists (often with a professional background in nursing) were included in all teams, but their share varied from only 24% in testing to 60% in hotline and even 95% in tracing teams. Conclusions German hospitals have stepped up efforts to protect health workers primarily through comprehensive surveillance and personal protection including vaccination. Our findings reveal capacity for innovation in the management of protection especially in two areas: improving the skill-mix and leadership of surveillance teams, and strengthening the role of hospital hygienists in surveillance. Key messages The building of interdisciplinary hospital surveillance teams plays an important role in innovating surveillance and strengthening protection. The skill-mix and leadership of the surveillance teams need further research and policy investigation to improve efficiency.