Ward-level risk factors associated with nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks: A matched case–control study
Reto Thoma, Philipp Köhler, Sabine Haller, Jasmin Maenner, Matthias Schlegel, Domenica Flury
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic made its way from private, public, and work spaces into healthcare systems all over the world, imposing an unexpected burden on global health care. COVID-19 outbreaks in acute-care hospitals are a frequent problem, increasing morbidity and mortality among patients and leading to staff shortages. 1,2 Prevention of nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in acute-care hospitals represents a major challenge. One important reason is that diagnosis in asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) is often delayed. 3 Also, understaffing during the pandemic may decrease adherence to standard hygiene measures. Before the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine became available, we observed several wards with nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks, whereas others were spared. We sought to identify ward-level risk factors associated with nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks.