Knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination in healthcare personnel working at nonacute care facilities

Objective:To characterize experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of risk related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infection prevention practices, and COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) at nonacute care facilities. Design:Anonymous survey. Setting:Three non-acute-care facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants:In total, 156 HCP responded to the survey, for a 25.6% participation rate). Among them, 32% had direct patient-care roles. Methods:Anonymous surveys were distributed between April-May 2021. Data were collected on demographics, work experience, COVID-19 exposure, knowledge, and beliefs about infection prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, COVID-19 vaccination, and the impact of COVID-19. Results:Nearly all respondents reported adequate knowledge of how to protect oneself from COVID-19 at work (97%) and had access to adequate PPE supplies (95%). Many HCP reported that wearing a mask or face shield made communication difficult (59%), that they had taken on additional responsibilities due to staff shortages (56%), and that their job became more stressful because of COVID-19 (53%). Moreover, 28% had considered quitting their job. Most respondents (78%) had received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Common reasons for vaccination were a desire to protect family and friends (84%) and a desire to stop the spread of COVID-19 (82%). Potential side effects and/or inadequate vaccine testing were cited as the most common concerns by unvaccinated HCP. Conclusions:A significant proportion of HCP reported increased stress and responsibilities at work due to COVID-19. The majority were vaccinated. Improving workplace policies related to mental health resources and sick leave, maintaining access to PPE, and ensuring clear communication of PPE requirements may improve workplace stress and burnout.

Automated summary

The survey aimed to understand the experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of healthcare personnel (HCP) at nonacute care facilities regarding COVID-19 risk, infection prevention practices, and COVID-19 vaccination. The results showed that many HCP reported increased stress and feelings of burnout at work, while the majority had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Improving workplace policies, providing mental health resources and sick leave, ensuring access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and clear communication of PPE requirements may alleviate work stress and burnout.