Fighting HAIs Takes Toll on Preventionists

Preventionists’ physical and mental health were negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By HFT Staff


Infection preventionists experienced worsening mental and physical health as a result of stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study just published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study evaluated infection preventionists’ health and well-being and their association with workplace wellness programs, and it highlights a need to fix hospital and healthcare facilities’ system issues that cause burnout and poor health and to enhance workplace wellness programs and culture. 

Infection preventionists are responsible for reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals and other health facilities, including long-term care and outpatient surgery centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these professionals have had to manage rapidly changing guidance, dramatic increases in HAIs and workload, and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and staff, among other challenges. 

Responses from 926 professionals show that infection preventionists’ physical and mental health were negatively impacted during the pandemic, and that individuals’ professional roles, the level of wellness support they received in the workplace and shift lengths were primary factors. 

Specific findings include: 

  • High numbers of respondents reported that the pandemic adversely affected their mental (74 percent) or physical (60 percent) health. 
  • Rates of depression, anxiety and burnout among survey respondents were 21.5 percent, 29.8 percent and 65.2 percent, respectively. 
  • Most respondents said the pandemic negatively impacted their sleep (77 percent), physical activity (64.5 percent) and healthy eating (61.1 percent). 
  • Front-line practitioners (74.1 percent) and infection prevention administrators and directors (76.3 percent) had more negative mental health impacts than peers in other roles. 
  • Infection preventionists working 9-11 or more hours per day were more likely to report worsening physical/mental health during the pandemic as compared to their peers who worked less than eight hours per day. 
  • Infection preventionists with organizational wellness support were less likely to report negative mental and physical impacts from the pandemic. 


November 17, 2022


Topic Area: Infection Control , Safety


Recent Posts

Fire at Assisted Living Facility Kills 9, Injures 30

Half of the building’s residents were evacuated through small windows.


North Carolina Children's Health Selects Apex for Campus Location

The groundbreaking is anticipated to happen in 2027.


Designing for Access: Addressing Pharmacy Deserts with Flexible Solutions

Design is an increasingly important consideration for closing the gap in pharmaceutical access.


Baylor Scott & White Health Set to Open New Texas Medical Center 

The new 40-acre campus will offer communal green spaces, more than two miles of trails, health and wellness events and activities for everyone to enjoy.


The Future of Backup Power Systems in Healthcare Facilities

Manufacturers discuss what trends are shaping the future of backup power systems in healthcare.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.