Facilities In Poland Research Articles

Evaluating Patients' Experiences with Healthcare Services: Extracting Domain and Language-Specific Information from Free-Text Narratives.

Evaluating patients’ experience and satisfaction often calls for analyses of free-text data. Language and domain-specific information extraction can reduce costly manual preprocessing and enable the analysis of extensive collections of experience-based narratives. The research aims were to (1) elicit free-text narratives about experiences with health services of international students in Poland, (2) develop domain- and language-specific algorithms for the extraction of information relevant for the evaluation of quality and safety of health services, and (3) test the performance of information extraction algorithms’ on questions about the patients’ experiences with health services. The materials were free-text narratives about health clinic encounters produced by English-speaking foreigners recalling their experiences (n = 104) in healthcare facilities in Poland. A linguistic analysis of the text collection led to constructing a semantic–syntactic lexicon and a set of lexical-syntactic frames. These were further used to develop rule-based information extraction algorithms in the form of Python scripts. The extraction algorithms generated text classifications according to predefined queries. In addition, the narratives were classified by human readers. The algorithm-based and the human readers’ classifications were highly correlated and significant (p < 0.01), indicating an excellent performance of the automatic query algorithms. The study results demonstrate that domain-specific and language-specific information extraction from free-text narratives can be used as an efficient and low-cost method for evaluating patient experiences and satisfaction with health services and built into software solutions for the quality evaluation in health care.

Big data analytics in healthcare and treatment of patients and health management

The implementation of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in the healthcare industry will make it possible to employ newly developed technology in the management of health as well as the treatment of individual patients. The purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation into the many ways in which Big Data Analytics may be used to the medical field. The research is predicated on an in-depth review of the existing body of literature, in addition to the presentation of a selection of the results obtained through actual research on the application of Big Data Analytics in clinical settings. The direct research was carried out in Poland on a sample size of 217 medical institutions using a research questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. Direct research has shown that medical facilities in Poland are moving towards data-based healthcare because they use structured and unstructured data, reach for analytics in the administrative, business, and clinical area, and studies of the literature have shown that the use of Big Data Analytics can bring many benefits to medical facilities. According to the findings of the research, medical institutions are actively working on both structured data and unstructured data at the same time.

Ambulophobia as a Specific Phobia-Defining the Problem Among Patients of Long-Term Care Facilities in Poland.

BackgroundAmbulophobia is a type of specific phobia that involves a fear of walking. This phobia mainly affects older people, who prefer not to leave their bed or home to avoid walking on uneven surfaces and reduce the risk of falling. The problem seems to be very important in terms of public health and the organization of long-term care, as Poland has one of the highest rates of elderly population growth.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ambulophobia among patients of long-term care facilities in Poland and to identify factors increasing the risk of this specific phobia in the study group.Material and MethodsThe study was conducted between January and July 2021. Data collected from 379 patients of 16 long-term care facilities located in Poland were analyzed. The study used the diagnostic criteria for specific phobias according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, and standardized questionnaires such as MMSE, GDS-16, DOS and ADL. The χ2 test was used to test the significance of differences (p = 0.05).ResultsThe prevalence of ambulophobia in the study group was 30.1%. Ambulophobia significantly more often concerned the female sex (37.7%) and people over 70 years of age (42,1%). Factors such as depression, Parkinson's disease, orthostatic hypotonia, a history of falling or being a witness to another person falling, and disability of at least a moderate degree increased the likelihood of ambulophobia.ConclusionsBased on the obtained results, it was found that the protective factors in the development of ambulophobia are male sex, younger age, high independence, fewer drugs used per day and no previous falls or seeing another person fall.

Business Roundup

BUSINESS Business Roundup ShareShare onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail C&EN, 2022, 100 (3), p 13January 24, 2022Cite this:C&EN 100, 3, 13AbstractSabic has formed a collaboration with PKN Orlen for the development of chemical facilities in Poland. The effort could result in a new ethylene cracker in the country and the expansion of existing facilities. Arkema plans to increase global capacity for its Pebax elastomers, derived in part from castor oil, by 25% by expanding its facility in Serquigny, France. Applications for the elastomers include running shoes and ski boots. Biosynthetic Technologies has acquired the castor oil derivative specialist Innoleo. Both firms convert biobased oils into lubricants, coatings, and personal care ingredients. Perstorp has purchased the dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) business of Geo Specialty Chemicals. DMPA is an ingredient in water-based polyurethane coatings and adhesives. MycoWorks has closed a $125 million series C funding round led by the investment group Prime Movers Lab. The company says it will use the funds to build the first full-scale plant for its leather alternative Reishi,View: PDF | Full Text HTML

The use of Big Data Analytics in healthcare

The introduction of Big Data Analytics (BDA) in healthcare will allow to use new technologies both in treatment of patients and health management. The paper aims at analyzing the possibilities of using Big Data Analytics in healthcare. The research is based on a critical analysis of the literature, as well as the presentation of selected results of direct research on the use of Big Data Analytics in medical facilities. The direct research was carried out based on research questionnaire and conducted on a sample of 217 medical facilities in Poland. Literature studies have shown that the use of Big Data Analytics can bring many benefits to medical facilities, while direct research has shown that medical facilities in Poland are moving towards data-based healthcare because they use structured and unstructured data, reach for analytics in the administrative, business and clinical area. The research positively confirmed that medical facilities are working on both structural data and unstructured data. The following kinds and sources of data can be distinguished: from databases, transaction data, unstructured content of emails and documents, data from devices and sensors. However, the use of data from social media is lower as in their activity they reach for analytics, not only in the administrative and business but also in the clinical area. It clearly shows that the decisions made in medical facilities are highly data-driven. The results of the study confirm what has been analyzed in the literature that medical facilities are moving towards data-based healthcare, together with its benefits.

Grey systems in the management of demand for palliative care services in Poland

BackgroundThe concept of care for people in a critical or even terminal health condition, who are in the last stage of their life, has become the mission of palliative care facilities. Therefore, the life of a sick patient poses a number of challenges for health care services to make sure that medical services are tailored to the trajectory of the disease, as well as the various needs, preferences and resources of patients and their families.MethodsHealth systems financed from public funds need to adopt new methods of management to meet the high and arising demand for a long-term care. There are several ways of assessing the demand for long-term care services. The method recommended by the author and presented in more detail in this paper is the one relying on grey systems, which enables the estimation of forecasting models and, finally, actual forecasts of the number of potential future patients.ResultsGST can be used to make predictions about the future behaviour of the system, which is why this article aims to present the possibility of using the first-order grey model GM (1,1) in predicting the number of patients of palliative care facilities in Poland. The analysis covers the data from 2014 to 2019, whereas the prediction of the number of patients has been additionally formulated for 2020.ConclusionsHealth systems, particularly publicly funded ones, are characterised by a certain kind of incompleteness and uncertainty of data on the structure and behaviour of its individual components (e.g. potential patients or payers). The present study aims to prove how simple and effective grey systems models are in the decision-making process.

Enviromental factors as the elements determing the development of floating homes

The popularity of Floating Homes in Western Europe and North America is noticeable. The interest in these facilities in Poland is also constantly growing. The popularity of Floating Homes is due to climate change, rising land prices and population density in city centers. However, environmental factors play a significant role in their development. The publication presents the results of research on the impact of environmental factors on the development of Floating Homes in Poland. As part of the research, the most important environmental factors were identified and then, using the State of the Surroundings Scenarios (SSS) method, an initial scenario of their development was developed. The most probable scenario was developed, the purpose of which was to identify the most favorable factors - strengths and unfavorable factors - weaknesses responsible for the development opportunities of Floating Homes in Poland. Additionally, a surprise scenario was prepared, which indicated factors that may unexpectedly accelerate the development of Floating Homes in Poland or slow it down.

Stabilization of the subsoil and leveling of concrete paving slabs

Abstract: In the process of using airport pavements, destructive processes of concrete slabs caused by operational loads and environmental factors are observed. One of the most common damages to concrete surfaces is thresholds (faults) - vertical displacements of the edges of the slabs or displacements on the cracks of the slabs, resulting from damage to the subsoil or foundation. Performing periodic inspections of the technical condition of the pavement allows you to monitor the changes taking place and at the same time plan repairs, which is associated with the selection of appropriate materials for their implementation. This article is devoted to the issue of stabilization and leveling of concrete pavement slabs in the low-pressure injection technology with the use of specialized injection materials (resins). The technology of board re-leveling is used in places of settlement, permanently strengthening the subsoil or substructure, as well as allowing to restore the required parameters of surface evenness. The article presents the results of laboratory tests as well as the results of field tests carried out before and after the injection works, based on the example of works carried out at one of the airport facilities in Poland. The article presents, among others the results of the load-bearing and evenness tests of the pavement and the results of the tests with the use of GPR. The presented technology belongs to non-invasive repair solutions and short-term works. Keywords: concrete pavement; Geotechnical injections; Keystroke plates

Modern Architecture of School Buildings in Poland. Selected Design Issues on The Example of Two School Buildings Built in the 21st Century

This article concerns the design and architecture of educational facilities in Poland. It presents selected architectural and spatial solutions for modern primary school buildings. The article is based on a juxtaposition of two school buildings built in the second decade of the 21st century, located in the central and southern part of the country. Contemporary buildings were selected to draw attention to the changing approach to design and the development of architecture dedicated to the youngest recipients, emphasizing important aspects of the school space in the era of growing demands and social awareness. The analysis of the buildings indicated in the article was carried out on the basis of the available literature on the subject, comparison with typical buildings in Poland, and in situ research in school buildings, with an emphasis on the key aspects of the functional and spatial arrangement in the presented facilities, determining the target educational space for students. A school building in Poland, in the minds of many architecture recipients, is associated with a typical building, such as 'millennial schools', created as part of the campaign to build a thousand schools - monuments related to the celebration of the Millennium of the Polish State. The typification period, abounding in many buildings that still function to this day, lasted almost twenty years until 1981, when the standard for typical schools was repealed. At that time, the search for the perfect form of the building as well as flexible and functional school spaces, tailored to the scale of the youngest recipients, began. The classroom, which used to be the only condition for the functioning of the school, turned out to be insufficient. Modern projects have started to be implemented, which systematically contribute to the creation of a new image of the school as a friendly and modern institution, maintained in an optimal and holistic development-oriented educational environment.

An Evaluation of the Hygiene Practices of Polish Street Food Vendors in Selected Food Trucks and Stands.

Today, street food vending is becoming a dynamically developing food industry in Europe, including Poland. Lifestyle changes and socioeconomic factors, especially among young consumers, make it a convenient food alternative, even in countries without this tradition. The aim of the study was to evaluate hygiene conditions and practices in selected street food facilities in Poland. The study was carried out in accordance with an observation checklist developed on the basis of the hygienic requirements of the European Union. The study covered 550 randomly selected street food vendors in Poland in 10 cities. The hygiene of street food outlets was assessed in three aspects: ensuring proper production conditions, hygiene of production and distribution, and hygiene of personnel. The evaluation of street food outlets showed that the level of hygiene was not fully acceptable. A small percentage of the examined objects satisfactorily fulfilled the requirements of the production conditions, production and distribution hygiene, and staff hygiene. The proposed hygienic checklist for quick daily monitoring of street food outlets can be used to perform internal and external inspections. It seems that specific codes of conduct for European street foods facilities are necessary.

Antibiotic consumption in long-term care facilities in Poland and other European countries in 2017

IntroductionThe aim of this research study was to compare the situation concerning the use of microbiology testing, the epidemiology of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) in Polish long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with other European countries, using the most recent findings available in the European databases. Furthermore, this study aimed to highlight several basic factors that contribute to the observable differences in AMC between countries participating in the HALT-3 study, especially the relationship with demographic indicators, as well as the health care resources utilization rates.Patients and methodsThe most recent HAIs in Long-Term care facilities Point Prevalence Survey (HALT PPS) was carried out in EU/EEA countries in 2016–2017, and in Poland it was carried out in April–June 2017 in 24 LTCFs. AMC data was collected with use of methodology of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system of the WHO.ResultsIn total total in HALT-3 study on the day of the PPS, 5035 out of the 102,301 eligible residents received at least one antimicrobial agent, with prevalence of 4.9%, and in Poland 3.2%. The most common HAIs in the countries included into the study was urinary tract infection with relative frequency of 32%, in Poland it was skin infection, 30.4%. The respiratory tract infections, excluding pneumonia (PNU) were observed in 29.5% of residents in total, in Poland 17.4%, the prevalence rate of PNU were 1.4% and 5.4%, respectively. The lack of microbiological results of HAIs testing concerned the vast majority of all HAIs, 75.8% in total and 81.5% in Poland. The most frequently used antibacterial for systemic use were beta-lactams and the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial agent was ‘amoxicillin and enzyme inhibitor’. AMC was closely correlated with the age of the general population (65 years of age and more) and the availability of doctors in general population.ConclusionsA significant problem observed in LTCFs was the empirical use of antibiotics and the scarcity of microbiological testing. In the studied Polish LTCFs, where the age of residents was low, also the AMC was found to be lower.

Art in Post-Industrial Facilities—Strategies of Adaptive Reuse for Art Exhibition Function in Poland

Along with the socio-economic changes in Poland after 1989 and the beginning of the industrial restructuring process, many industrial architecture objects lost their original purpose. At present, sustainable processes of reusing the building stock left over from the industrial period are proceeding. One of the possibilities includes adaptation to culture-related goals, where such activities have an established tradition in the world. The aim of the article is to analyze the adaptive reuse of post-industrial facilities in Poland for the functions of art exhibitions, such as museums, galleries, and art centers. The study was based on descriptive qualitative and quantitative research, in the following stages: identification and analysis of adapted objects; developing a typology of adaptive reuse strategies; questionnaire research aimed at institutions located in adapted facilities. The analyses show that the leading group of adapted facilities constitute former power plants, which ensure favorable exhibition conditions. The main result is the recognition of five types of adaptive reuse strategies implemented in Poland, resulting from a diversified approach to the historic substance, such as: the method of extension of an object; placing an exhibition; the character of the exhibition space, along with the type of intervention in the interior of a historic building.

Assessment of working conditions in medical facilities due to noise

Factors related to the working environment (e.g. inadequate lighting, excessive noise, poor condition of premises) contribute to neglect in the work of medical personnel, while also causing health effects in their body. This article presents the results of the assessment of working conditions in workplaces at selected medical facilities in Poland. This assessment was based on survey results. The survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire among more than 300 physicians, nurses and diagnostic laboratory staff. The average grading of noise annoyance in workplaces on a scale from 0 to 10 was 2.77, and therefore noise was assessed as a slight inconvenience.

Prevalence and risk factors for latent tuberculosis in polish healthcare workers: the comparison of tuberculin skin test and interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) performance

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is still one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Health care workers (HCW) are at particular risk of the disease due to their constant exposure to TB patients or their specimens, nevertheless no specific surveillance is widely recommended in this group of professionals. Both, tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-gamma-release-assays (IGRAs) are widely applied to detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and risks of LTBI in the population of Polish HCW, to identify factors associated with LTBI, as well as to determine the rate of the discordance between the results of the two applied tests in relation to various factors in a TB endemic setting. The study participants were recruited from several health care facilities (hospitals and outpatients clinics) all over the country. Laboratory personnel included 156 persons from both TB and non-TB laboratories (118 clinical pathologists, 38 laboratory technicians), 31 medical doctors, 29 nurses (from both TB and non-TB wards and from family practices), 6 other medical employees (patients assistants). Out of examined group 88 (40%) declared constant (everyday) occupational contact with TB patients and/or contagious biologic materials, 134 (60%) reported sporadic (incidental) contact (few times a year). Administrative HCWs who were not in direct contact with patients were not included in the study group.Material and methodsLTBI status was prospectively evaluated in 222 HCW, 204 females, 18 males, aged 40.8 ± 9 years, with tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (QuantiFERON-TB-Gold in Tube – QFT GIT).ResultsTST ≥ 10 mm was found in 58% of HCW, QFT GIT ≥ 0.35 IU/ml in 23%. Nevertheless the relative number of positive QFT GIT in HCW above 45 years of age exceeded those obtained in general population (prevalence of positive QTF test in polish adult population is around 23%). The risk of obtaining positive QFT GIT was significantly increased in the participants older than 44 years (OR = 4.95, 95%CI:2.375–10.193), in those employed > 10 years (OR = 2.726, 95%CI:1.126–6.599), and in those who reported the direct contact with tuberculous patients or infected biological materials (OR = 8.135, 95%CI:1.297–51.016). The concordance between TST and IGRA was poor (kappa 0.23), especially in younger participants, possibly due to BCG vaccination in childhood.ConclusionThe increased risk of LTBI in Polish HCW was related to age, duration of employment and contact with infectious patients or their biological specimens. TB infection control measures in health care facilities in Poland are still insufficient. It is crucial to increase awareness about the importance of detecting and treating LTBI of HCW.

Family History of Stroke is Associated with Greater Prevalence of Certain Risk Factors and Self-Reported Stroke Symptoms

ObjectivesFamily history of stroke increases stroke risk, however mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We investigated whether family history of stroke is related to increased prevalence of stroke risk factors, unhealthy behaviors and self-reported stroke symptoms in middle-aged adults. Materials and MethodsIn a cross-sectional study conducted from November 2018 to January 2021 in 100 primary care facilities in Poland we evaluated adults aged 40-65 years (n = 2207, women 57.4%, median age 55 years) for stroke risk factors, healthy behaviors, family history of stroke, self-reported stroke symptoms and stroke knowledge using structured questionnaires. Patients were categorized based on family history of stroke defined as ≥1 first-degree relative with documented stroke. ResultsFamily history of stroke was reported by 571 (25.9%) individuals who were older (median age 56 vs. 54 years, p = 0.00001) and after adjustment for age more frequently suffered from hypertension (61.5% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.024) and prior transient ischemic attack (2.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.019), but not other risk factors. However, they were less obese (34.5% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.03). Women, but not men, with family history of stroke (n = 339, 26.8%) had greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation (7.4% vs. 3.9%, p = 0.037). Family history of stroke was associated with higher prevalence of any self-reported stroke symptom (32.9% vs. 23.2%, p < 0.00001), but not with unhealthy dietary behaviors or low level of knowledge about stroke. ConclusionsFamily history of stroke is associated with greater prevalence of certain risk factors and self-reported stroke symptoms, which indicates the need for closer surveillance of middle-aged individuals at risk.

Assessment of Referrals and Hospitalizations in the Hospital Transformed into COVID-19 Facility in Poland during the "Spring Wave" of the Epidemic in 2020-A Cross-Sectional Study.

The study aimed to evaluate hospitalizations in a COVID-dedicated facility during the “spring wave” of the epidemic in 2020 in Poland and analyze changes in access to hospital treatment in the country in the early phase of the pandemic. We investigated all referrals and admissions to the Ministry of Interior and Administration hospital in Białystok from 14 April to 14 August 2020. A total of 238 patients were referred to the hospital (with a median age of 64.5 years; IQR, 44–78), most commonly with fever (n = 151; 63.5%). Only 135 (56.7%) were admitted (5.5% of the number hospitalized in the same period in 2019). SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in 42 (17.7%) cases. Older people with concomitant diseases and disabilities dominated. Seventeen patients (12.6%) required ICU treatment, and 19 (14%) died. Based on the National Health Fund data, we also examined changes in the rate of hospitalizations in Poland and in selected Polish COVID/ and non-COVID hospitals between February and August 2019 and 2020. The number of hospitalizations in Poland decreased dramatically in comparison to 2019. A very low hospitalization rate, significantly lower than in structurally similar non-COVID hospitals, was observed in transformed hospitals. Better use of hospital resources was observed when the hospital was semi-transformed and had the flexibility to adapt to epidemiological needs. The study seems to confirm that the system of transformed COVID hospitals resulted in unused healthcare resources and limited patient access to medical services in the early period of the epidemic. As a consequence, systemic modifications allowing the maximization and adequate use of the Polish healthcare system’s limited resources have been implemented.

Polish Domestic Tourism in the Face of SARS‑CoV–2 Pandemic

The paper focuses on the tourism market in the face of the SARS‑CoV–2 pandemic. Its aim is to verify whether Polish tourism in this period actually recorded such a significant drop in interest. The research is based on secondary data from the reports of Statistics Poland concerning the use of accommodation facilities in Poland by both Poles and foreign tourists. Accommodation services offered by accommodation facilities constitute one of the basic tourist services included in the tourist market. Verifying their situation in the holiday season 2020 is therefore one of the easiest ways to estimate the impact of the pandemic on the tourism market in Poland. The paper also includes a comparison of data on Polish tourists in 2020 in relation to previous years. The research was conducted with the use of ANOVA analysis of variance.

Inhibition of Quinolone- and Multi-Drug-Resistant Clostridioides Difficile Strains by Multi Strain Synbiotics-An Option for Diarrhea Management in Nursing Facilities.

Diarrhea is a common problem in nursing homes. A survey among nursing facilities in Poland was used to characterize diarrhea outbreaks, the burden caused for residents and caregivers and the employed measures. Survey results confirmed that diarrhea is a common problem in nursing homes and in most cases affects groups of residents. The related burden is high or very high for 27% of residents and 40% of caregivers. In 80% of nursing facilities pro or synbiotics are part of the measures used to manage diarrhea. Administration of these kinds of products has been suggested for the management of diarrhea, especially in cases caused by Clostridioides (C.) difficile. C. difficile is one of many potential causes for diarrhea, but is of particular concern for nursing homes because it is responsible for a large proportion of diarrhea outbreaks and is often caused by multi-drug resistant strains. In vitro inhibition of a quinolone-resistant and a multi-drug resistant C. difficile strain was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory effects of commonly used products containing probiotic microorganisms. Growth of both strains was best inhibited by multi-strain synbiotic preparations. These findings suggest that multi-strain synbiotics can be considered as an interventional option for diarrhea caused by C. difficile.

A Pilot Study on the Quality of Sexual Life of Patients Receiving Home Palliative Care in Poland

Background: Quality of life, physical, psychic, and social functioning assessments in patients suffering from chronic, progressive, and incurable diseases are one of the most significant aims of the palliative care home teams. Sexuality and intimacy can be one of the most important elements of a person’s life, even at the end of it. Unfortunately, there is very little interest in this topic among medical staff of palliative care units. The objective of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the health status, the quality of life, the quality of sexual life, and the recognition and resolution of sexual problems by the palliative care team in adult patients in the advanced stage of terminal illness, who were receiving home palliative care. Research methods: The study involved 342 adult patients in the advanced stage of incurable, progressive disease, covered by home palliative care in 15 facilities in Poland. A generic EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level health and quality of life assessment questionnaire and a questionnaire developed by the researchers, including questions about sexual problems, were used in this prospective study. Results: The presented results are the part of the more extensive study. The assessment of health status and quality of life of the study patients showed that the evaluation was the lowest for performing ordinary daily activities. The quality of sexual life after diagnosis in more than half of the study patients has worsened. Almost half of the respondents felt that the palliative care team did not recognize or address their sexual concerns. Patients indicated nurses and physicians as the members of the palliative care team most helpful in identifying and addressing sexual concerns. Conclusions: Members of the palliative care team should receive training in communication with patients concerning their sexual life, their needs and expectations and have knowledge about options for obtaining specialized sexological care. It is necessary to prepare and validate simple tools that will facilitate the initiation of appropriate communication between patients and members of the medical staff. It will be important to conduct more detailed and targeted research on sexuality and intimacy in the Polish palliative care patient population.

Microbial contamination of money sorting facilities.

Money is the most common item with which we have daily contact. Circulated banknotes and coins can become microbiologically contaminated and act as both a source and a means of spreading such pollutants. The study was carried out in three money sorting facilities in Poland. Bioaerosol samples were collected using a 6-stage Andersen impactor, and microorganisms deposited on tabletop surfaces were sampled using the swab method. Bacterial and fungal concentrations were calculated and all isolated species were taxonomically identified. The study confirmed that means of payment are active sources of microbial emission in money sorting facilities. The bioaerosol concentrations did not exceed the threshold limit values proposed for this type of office premises. It confirms that ventilation systems in these facilities worked efficiently, protecting them from the migration of microbial contaminants present in both indoor and outdoor (atmospheric) background air. On the other hand, the average concentrations of bacteria and fungi on tabletop surfaces in banknote and coin sorting rooms were above the proposed purity levels for indoor surfaces and should be treated as microbiologically contaminated. Microbiota isolated from the air and surfaces were very diverse and among those strains were bacterial and fungal pathogens that can pose a health threat to exposed individuals. The results showed that employees in money sorting facilities were exposed to microorganisms that may contribute to the development of adverse health outcomes. To protect them, highly efficient hygienic measures should be introduced in this working environment, to prevent both unwanted pollution and subsequent secondary emission of microbial contaminants from sorted means of payment and tabletop surfaces.