Table 1 Implementation status of infection prevention measures at each dialysis facility before the outbreak of COVID-19, in 2020 (previous survey), and in 2022 (current survey)
Q | Questions | Implementation rate | p value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Before the outbreak of COVID-19 N = 2227 (%) | In 2020 (Previous survey) N = 2227 (%) | In 2022 (Current survey) N = 1956 (%) | |||
1 | Staff members with symptoms of infection such as fever and diarrhea are examined by a doctor whether they can work or not before entering the dialysis room | 1559 (70.0) | 2092 (93.9) | 1831 (93.6) | 0.661 |
2 | Staffs who perform initiating and terminating operation are wearing masks | 1937 (87.0) | 2186 (98.2) | 1952 (99.8) |  < 0.001 |
3 | Staffs who perform initiating and terminating operation are wearing disposable, non-permeable gowns or plastic aprons | 1291 (58.0) | 1472 (66.1) | 1496 (76.5) |  < 0.001 |
4 | Staffs who perform initiating and terminating operation are wearing goggles or face shields | 1145 (51.4) | 1648 (74.0) | 1674 (85.6) |  < 0.001 |
5 | Patients are checked for their temperature and symptoms to confirm that they do not have a suspected infection, before entering the dialysis room | 1199 (53.8) | 2095 (94.1) | 1864 (95.3) | 0.079 |
6 | Patients with suspected infection are observed before entering the room, and infection measures are modified according to their condition | 1601 (71.9) | 2141 (96.1) | 1910 (97.6) | 0.005 |
7 | Linens are changed for each patient, or non-permeable bed mats are used and the dialysis environment is disinfected between each patient | 653 (29.3) | 765 (34.4) | 1004 (51.3) |  < 0.001 |
8 | Items that are frequently touched by patient’s and staff’s hands (e.g., doorknobs) are wiped or disinfected several times a day | 1165 (52.3) | 2007 (90.1) | 1757 (89.8) | 0.751 |