Operational Infection Control Strategies for Clinic Staff During the Pandemic: A Multi-Facility Questionnaire Study...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Operations

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated continued outpatient care amidst resource limitations and safety concerns.
• Limited evidence exists on operational infection control strategies in clinic settings during the pandemic.
• Maintaining routine medical services required adapting to evolving public health guidelines and risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate infection control measures adopted by Japanese outpatient clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assess variations in operational practices and information sharing among clinics in different regions.
• To identify challenges and successful strategies for pandemic preparedness in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was administered to medical facilities in Tokyo and Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
• Data collected included facility characteristics, infection control practices, information sharing methods, and social impacts.
• Surveys were conducted between December 2023 and January 2024, with descriptive statistics and regional comparisons employed.

Main Results:

• Sixty-three outpatient clinics responded, reporting widespread adoption of measures like acrylic panels, PPE, temperature monitoring, and canceled staff gatherings.
• Digital communication tools for information sharing were more prevalent in Tokyo clinics compared to Aichi Prefecture clinics.
• A small percentage of facilities reported staff experiencing discrimination, with no significant regional disparities.

Conclusions:

• Japanese outpatient clinics demonstrated rapid implementation of practical infection control measures to safeguard staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• While many infection control measures were uniformly adopted, regional variations in operational aspects like information sharing were observed.
• The study provides valuable insights into the preparedness of outpatient clinics for future infectious disease outbreaks.