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An investigation of Infection Prevention and Control professionals' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: A
Matt Mason1, Jocelyne M Basseal2, Roslyn Walker3
1School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, 4556, Queensland, Australia; Collaborative for the Advancement of Infection Prevention and Control, Gold Coast, 9276, Queensland, Australia.
Background:
Infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals played a vital role during COVID-19, yet their experiences remain largely unexplored. Understanding these experiences is crucial for strengthening health system preparedness for future outbreaks/pandemic. This study investigates IPC professionals' preparedness, response capacity, knowledge base, and barriers/enablers during COVID-19 to inform future pandemic planning.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2024 among IPC professionals worldwide through WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network partners and professional IPC organisations. The survey was translated into five languages, comprising 30 questions that covered demographics, professional preparedness, response capacity, and pandemic experiences. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using SPSS, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.
Results:
Eighty-six responses from 19 countries were analysed, with participants mainly from Australia (48.8 %), Canada (17.4 %), and the United Kingdom (8.1 %). Most worked in government hospitals (54.7 %) with dedicated IPC roles (57.0 %) and over five years of experience (73.2 %). Four interconnected themes emerged: establishing IPC as vital expertise, confronting the psychological toll of IPC work, navigating shifting guidance and policy, and managing resource scarcity and workforce strain. Participants reported a lack of recognition as "front-line" staff, significant psychological burdens including post-traumatic stress, challenges with rapidly changing guidance undermining staff trust, and overwhelming workloads without additional resources.
Conclusions:
IPC professionals showed remarkable dedication despite facing structural neglect and emotional difficulties. Findings highlight the urgent need to formalise IPC leadership roles within health systems, ensure proper recognition and resources, and incorporate psychosocial support measures to enhance pandemic preparedness and response capacity worldwide.
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