Greene, Carolynn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1170-376X, Wilson, Jennie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4713-9662, Griffin, Hannah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6874-9825, Tingle, Alison, Cooper, Tracey, Semple, Malcolm G, Enoch, David, Lee, Andrew and Loveday, Heather ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2259-8149 (2023) The role of pandemic planning in the management of COVID-19 in England from an infection prevention and control (IPC) perspective: results of a national survey. Public Health, 217. pp. 89-94. ISSN 0033-3506

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Abstract

Objectives
A national survey which aimed to explore how existing pandemic preparedness plans (PPP) accounted for the demands placed on infection prevention and control (IPC) services in acute and community settings in England during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study design
A cross-sectional survey of IPC leaders working within NHS Trusts or clinical commissioning groups/integrated care systems in England.

Methods
Survey questions related to organisational COVID-19 preparedness pre-pandemic and the response provided during the first wave of the pandemic (January to July 2020). The survey ran from September to November 2021 and participation was voluntary.

Results
In total, 50 organisations responded. 71% (n=34/48) reported having a current PPP in December 2019, with 81% (n=21/26) indicating their plan was updated within the previous three years. Around half of IPC teams were involved in previous testing of these plans via internal and multi-agency tabletop exercises. Successful aspects of pandemic planning were identified as command structures, clear channels of communication, COVID-19 testing, and patient pathways. Key deficiencies were lack of PPE, difficulties with fit testing, keeping up to date with guidance, and insufficient staffing.

Conclusions
Pandemic plans need to consider the capability and capacity of IPC services to ensure they can contribute their critical knowledge and expertise to the pandemic response. This survey provides a detailed evaluation of how IPC services were impacted during the first wave of the pandemic and identifies key areas which need to be included in future PPP to better manage the impact on IPC services.

Item Type:	Article
Identifier:	10.1016/j.puhe.2023.01.028
Keywords:	COVID-19 Pandemic, Infection Control, Survey Methods, Hospital Preparedness
Subjects:	Medicine and health > Health promotion and public health > Infection prevention
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Carolynn Greene
Date Deposited:	01 Feb 2023 11:03
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2024 11:19
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/9765

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