Infection prevention and control among paramedics: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Paramedics are exposed to many infectious diseases in their professional activities, leading to a high risk of transmitting infectious diseases to patients in out-of-hospital settings, possibly leading to health care associated infections in hospitals and the community. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control in health care and the role of paramedics in infection control is considered even more critical. Despite this, in many countries such as Australia, research into infection prevention and control research has mainly been focused on in-hospital health care professionals with limited out-of-hospital studies.

Methods: This scoping review was based upon Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Literature on knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control in paramedics in Australia and other countries was evaluated.

Results: Based upon selection criteria applied, six papers were identified for inclusion in this review. In many studies, infection prevention and control was identified as being important, however compliance with hand hygiene practices was low and most studies highlighted the need for more education and training on infectious disease for paramedics.

Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that paramedics have poor compliance with recommended IPC practices. The profession needs to improve IPC education, training, and culture.

Keywords: Emergency medical services; Hand hygiene; Healthcare practice; Infection prevention control; Out-of-hospital; Pre-hospital.