May 6, 2020

Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Health Care Workers: A Living Rapid Review

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

• This paper reviews 64 studies examining the burden of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV on health care workers (HCWs) and risk factors for infection. HCWs accounted for a significant proportion of coronavirus infections and commonly experienced depression, anxiety, and psychological distress during the outbreak. PPE use and infection control training are associated with decreased risk of infection. Certain exposures (e.g., involvement in intubations, direct patient contact, or contact with bodily secretions) are associated with increased risk of infection. 

Chou et al. (May 5, 2020). Epidemiology of and Risk Factors for Coronavirus Infection in Health Care Workers: A Living Rapid Review. Annals of internal medicine. https://doi.org/10.7326/M20-1632