Response of nurses toward interim infection prevention and control recommendations for coronavirus disease 2019 in healthcare settings at the early stage

Background Healthcare workers are at high risk for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The nurses need to ensure the minimal risk of infection during treating and caregiving to patients with COVID-19 through using personal protective equipment. Aim This study aimed to explore the nurses’ response toward interim infection prevention and control recommendations for patients with suspected COVID-19. Participants and methods In this cross-sectional study, 232 nurses who dealt with suspected COVID-19 patients were invited from four public hospitals between 14 and 18 March 2020. Results Nurses adhered to minimizing close exposure to a suspected person by disinfecting contaminated areas. However, 36.2% did not limit the entry number to the rooms dedicated to patients infected with COVID-19. Moreover, 58.2% reported that triage stations outside the facility to screen patients have not been set up yet. The hospital’s administration limits the visit of patients’ facilities by 89.7% and using personal protective equipment (72.4–97.4%). About 31.9% of nurses did not launder clothes after they finished a day and entered a room with suspected patients. In addition, 49.1% of the nurses reported that dedicated rooms are in a single-person room with the door closed. Specimen collection was performed in a normal examination room with the closed door (63.4%). Also, 81.0% of the nurses reported that the clinical ward limits the transport and movement of nurses outside of the room. Conclusion This study showed that one-third of the nurses do not adhere to interim prevention and control recommendations for suspected COVID-19. Recommendation The study suggests that healthcare workers and their family members be monitored for the suspected symptoms of COVID-19 because they are at a high risk of exposure and may impose a high risk on their colleagues.