[Source: JAMA Health Forum, full page: (LINK). Summary, edited.]
Protecting Health Care Workers Against COVID-19—and Being Prepared for Future Pandemics
Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN1; Christopher R. Friese, PhD, RN2,3
Author Affiliations: 1 Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, George Washington University School of Nursing, Washington, DC; 2 University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor; 3 University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor
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As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spreads globally, signs are emerging that countries, including the United States, were woefully unprepared to protect health care personnel (HCP)—and thus, patients and the public. This lack of preparedness is shocking in light of the inevitability that a new global pandemic would emerge and the availability of guidance from the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic and the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak.
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Corresponding Author: Diana J. Mason, PhD, RN, Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, George Washington University School of Nursing, 1919 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Ste 500, Washington, DC 20006 (djmasonrn@gmail.com).
Conflict of Interest Disclosures: Dr Friese reported serving as a volunteer member of the 2018 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) ad hoc consensus committee entitled Study of the Use of Elastomeric Respirators in Health Care and his travel to committee meetings was paid by the NASEM. No other disclosures were reported.
Disclaimer: This work solely reflects the view of the authors and does not reflect the views of the NASEM or its affiliates.
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Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; HCWs; PPE.
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