Communication and Information Strategies Implemented by Four Hospitals in Brazil, Canada, and France to Deal with COVID-19 Healthcare-Associated Infections

During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, COVID-19 healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and risk management became major challenges facing hospitals. Using evidence from a research project, this commentary presents: 1) various communication and information strategies implemented by four hospitals and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health systems and reform 2023-06, Vol.9 (2), p.2223812-2223812
Main Authors: Hou, Renyou, Traverson, Lola, Chabrol, Fanny, Gautier, Lara, de Araújo Oliveira, Sydia Rosana, David, Pierre-Marie, Lucet, Jean-Christophe, Zinszer, Kate, Ridde, Valéry
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Brazil - epidemiology
Canada
Communication
COVID-19
COVID-19 - epidemiology
Delivery of Health Care
healthcare-associated infection
hospital
Hospitals
Humans
information
Life Sciences
Pandemics
resilience
Santé publique et épidémiologie
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Summary:During the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, COVID-19 healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and risk management became major challenges facing hospitals. Using evidence from a research project, this commentary presents: 1) various communication and information strategies implemented by four hospitals and their staff in Brazil, Canada and France to reduce the risks of COVID-19 HAIs, and how they were perceived by hospital staff; 2) the flaws in communication in the hospitals; and 3) a proposed agenda for research on and action to improve institutional communications for future pandemics. By analyzing "top-down" strategies at the organizational level and spontaneous strategies initiated by and between professionals, this study shows that during the first waves of the pandemic, reliable information and clear communication about guidelines and health protocols' changes can help alleviate fears among staff and avoid misapplication of protocols, thereby reducing infection risks. There was a lack of a "bottom-up" communication channel, while, when making decisions, it is crucial to listen to and fully take into account staff's voices, experiences, and feelings. More balanced communication between hospital administrators and staff could strengthen team cohesion and lead to better enforcement of protocols, which in turn will reduce the risk of contamination, alleviate the potential impacts on staff health, and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
ISSN:2328-8604
2328-8620
DOI:10.1080/23288604.2023.2223812