Hygieia model: development of a three-dimensional model for the standardized analysis of infection control protocols

Until now, there have been no standardized guidelines for the content of infection control protocols. The aim of this research project is therefore to develop a standardized model for the evaluation and analysis of three dimensions: setting, protection targets, and precautions.

Events are part of social life and, as such, have a direct or indirect impact on the physical, mental, and social health of all involved groups (employees, artists, subcontractors, visitors, etc.). Valid infection control protocols for events must reduce the risk of infection in general, not only in a pandemic. A range of handouts and recommendations are available, mostly focusing on the visitors.For the present study, a total of 46 infection control protocols for events, hosted in the period between 2020 and 2021 in Germany, were analyzed from June to December 2021. The infection control protocols provide what was needed to realize events.

For the first time, a standardized model, called the Hygieia model, is presented for the evaluation and analysis of three dimensions: setting, protection targets of the involved groups, and precautions. Taking all three dimensions into account enables the assessment of existing pandemic safety protocols as well as the development of valid protocols in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.

The Hygieia model can be used for risk assessment of events from conferences to concerts, especially for infection prevention under pandemic conditions.