Abstract
Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, outpatient caregivers are exposed to new serious health threats at work. To protect their health, effective occupational health and safety measures (OHSM) are necessary. Outpatient caregivers (n = 15) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews in May/June 2020 (1) to examine the pandemic-related OHSM that have been implemented in their outpatient care services, as well as (2) to identify their corresponding unmet needs. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by using qualitative content analysis in accordance with Mayring. Available OHSM in outpatient care services described by outpatient caregivers mainly included personal protective equipment (PPE) and surface disinfection means after an initial shortage in the first peak of the pandemic. Further OHSM implied social distancing, increased hygiene regulations and the provision of pandemic-related information by the employer, as well as the possibility to consult a company doctor. Our study revealed that OHSM were largely adapted to the health threats posed by COVID-19, however an optimum has not yet been achieved. There is still a need for improvement in the qualitative and quantitative supply of PPE, as well as on the organisational level, e.g., with regard to the development of pandemic plans or in work organisation.
Highlights
On 11 March 2020, the outbreak of the novel type of coronavirus was officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1,2]
Healthcare professionals are vulnerable to the health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic because they are in the front line of efforts to combat the outbreak [8,9,10]
Thirteen of the interviewed outpatient caregivers worked full-time with work experience ranging from seven months to 36 years
Summary
On 11 March 2020, the outbreak of the novel type of coronavirus was officially declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) [1,2]. In times of a pandemic, the protection of healthcare professionals is vital for the maintenance of essential health services [4,5]. Due to the rapid and sudden outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, new occupational risks, e.g., a high risk of infection, increased workloads and corresponding stress levels, [6,7], arose especially in healthcare professions that have to be addressed. Healthcare professionals are vulnerable to the health risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic because they are in the front line of efforts to combat the outbreak [8,9,10].
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