[Proposal for a summary index of the non-pharmacological preventive measures adopted against SARS-CoV-2 in companies, the case of Parc de Salut Mar (Barcelona).]

Abstract

Introduction: Construct a numerical index of non-pharmacological preventive measures against Sars-CoV-2 based on the experience of Parc de Salut Mar (PSMar), a healthcare institution in Barcelona.

Method: The construction of the index was carried out in three phases. The identification and selection of the variables to be included based on semi-structured interviews with key informants and documental revision. The definition of the dimensions (consisting of one or more variables) and, finally, the operationalisation of the index on the basis of these dimensions. The index was estimated in the PSMar, and in its two main centres, the Hospital del Mar and the Hospital de la Esperanza.

Results: Twenty-one variables were identified and categorised into six dimensions: personal protective equipment, individual organisational measures, collective organisational measures, epidemiological surveillance measures, training activities and protocol development. During the first wave, the Hospital del Mar index remained above the value obtained at the Hospital de la Esperanza, while in the second wave both indexes showed similar values until week 36, when the Hospital del Mar index began to show higher values. These oscillations were mainly due to the dimensions of personal protective equipment and training activities.

Conclusions: The proposed index shows the difficulties in implementing the various non-pharmacological preventive measures in the first weeks of the pandemic. This tool can be useful for evaluating the activities carried out by the Occupational Risk Prevention Services in the face of the pandemic, with the appropriate adaptations to the reality of each individual company.