Review of hygiene adaptations among UK doctors in controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A significant number of healthcare workers around the world have contracted COVID-19 from their workplace, thus there is a need to investigate common hygiene practices. AIM: We aimed to describe the common hygiene adaptations of doctors in the hospital and at home. METHODS: A survey of 110 doctors in UK was carried out to determine their hygiene adaptations and practices. Data were collected on demographics and personal protective equipment compliance. RESULTS: The key findings were frequent hand washing (51%), change of clothing entering and leaving hospital (88% and 92%, respectively), taking a shower upon returning home (85%) and washing work attire at temperatures of 60-80°C (50%). A higher proportion of junior doctors washed their scrubs (p=0.004) and stethoscopes (p=0.014) compared with consultants and seniors. Female doctors cleaned their mobile phones (p=0.022) and work belongings (p=0.01) more frequently. CONCLUSION: This study signified that junior doctors were more meticulous in hygiene adaptations and female doctors were more fastidious in personal hygiene. The observations of this study may be beneficial in preventing transmission of infection to families of healthcare professionals and are important to implement in the case of a second wave of COVID-19.