AI Article Synopsis
- The study evaluated how ready European countries were in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and care workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Most countries faced PPE shortages, especially in home and long-term care settings, while HCW infection rates varied widely across countries due to differing testing approaches.
- No clear link was found between HCW infection rates and PPE preparedness or shortages, highlighting the need for better monitoring systems for both the general population and HCWs.
Article Abstract
This study aimed to assess the preparedness of European countries regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) for health and care workers (HCWs), the COVID-19 infection rates of HCWs compared to the general working age population, and the association between these. We developed a PPE-preparedness scale based on responses to a questionnaire from experts in the Health Systems and Policy Monitor network, with a response rate of 19 out of 31 countries. COVID-19 infection data were retrieved form the European center for Disease Prevention and Control. Shortages of PPE were found in most countries, in particular in home care and long-term care. HCW infection rates, compared to the general population, varied strongly between countries, influenced by different testing regimes. We found no relationships between HCW infection rates, PPE preparedness and shortages of PPE. Improved surveillance in the population as well as for HCWS are needed to be able to better assess these relationships.
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| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292171 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105097 | DOI Listing |
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