Healthcare workers’ preparedness and response during COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are most at risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection. Their preparedness, as a result of provision and access to personal protective equipment (PPE), training programmes and awareness and practices on infection prevention and control measures, is integral for the prevention of infectious disease transmission. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the preparedness and practices of HCWs during COVID-19 first wave outbreak in Brunei Darussalam. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a pre-designed and self-administered web-based questionnaire was conducted among HCWs from government and private health sectors ranging from primary to tertiary health facilities in Brunei Darussalam. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and chi-square test was used for statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 511 HCWs participated in the study. Nurses (64%) and HCWs based at hospitals (66%) made up the majority of the study participants, with 74% having occupational exposure to COVID-19 cases. More than 99% of HCWs used respiratory PPE, and 94% used gloves. 74% had undergone respirator fit testing and 65% had received PPE awareness session within the last one year. Coverage in training programmes was found to be low among HCWs from private health facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of HCWs who had received updated training programmes and therefore were better prepared came from government health facilities. HCWs from private health facilities lacked preparedness training programmes and as such, there needs to be improvement to enhance preparedness measures in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and for future infectious disease outbreaks.