Abstract Purpose To describe structural-, process- and outcome-level interventions performed by nursing staff to reduce COVID-19 infections during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted. We used convenience sampling by inviting nursing professionals who worked in Austrian health care institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected between May and July 2020. The survey asked, amongst others, about the availability of a guideline for the identification and treatment of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients, hand hygiene practices, whether they had experienced COVID-19 symptoms or if they had tested positive for COVID-19. Findings 2,602 nurses participated in the study; 36.9% reported having been tested for COVID-19, and 1.6% had tested positive for COVID-19. The most frequently performed interventions in all settings were, e.g. adhering to guidelines, applying hand hygiene measures, and using medical masks/FFP masks. Interventions on the structural level, such as the provision of protective equipment or conducting testing, were associated with higher process-level intervention rates among nursing professionals. Conclusion Structural frameworks, including the provision of guidelines, trainings, sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE), and sufficient testing supply/capacity seem to be necessary. Implications for nursing practice Clear guidance and communication, not only within health care institutions but also nation-wide in terms of nursing policies, will facilitate and guarantee the provision of high-quality nursing care.
Eglseer et al. (Mon,) studied this question.