Risks and challenges in COVID-19 infection prevention and control in a hospital setting: perspectives of healthcare workers in Thailand

In hospital settings, awareness of, and responsiveness to, COVID-19 are crucial to reducing the risk of transmission among healthcare workers (HCWs) and protecting them from infection. Healthcare professionals can offer insights into the practicalities of infection prevention and control measures and on how the protective equipment and training could best be delivered during the pandemic. This study aimed to inform the development of future recommendations to optimise compliance with appropriate use of these measures, and to improve the guidance to reduce their risk of the disease. Drawing on in-depth interviews with HCWs in a hospital in Thailand, several factors influence the use of multiple prevention measures: concerns about infection, availability of the equipment supply, barriers to work performance, and physical limitations in the hospital setting. Setting a ventilated outdoor space for screening and testing, and interaction through mobile technology, were perceived to reduce the transmission risk for staff and patients. Adequate training, clear guidelines, streamlined communications, and management support are crucial to encourage appropriate use of, and adherence to, implementation of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures among HCW. Further study should explore the perceptions and experience of health professionals in local health facilities and community-based workers during the pandemic, particularly in resource-limited settings.