Infection Prevention and Control among Paramedics: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND:Paramedics are exposed to many infectious diseases in their daily professional activities, leading to a high risk of transmitting infectious diseases to patients in out-of-hospital settings, and possibly leading to healthcare associated infections in hospitals and the community. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control in healthcare more broadly 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 conducted based upon Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines to evaluate the literature relating to knowledge and awareness of infection prevention and control in paramedics in Australia and other countries. RESULTS/DISCUSSION:Based upon the selection criteria applied, six papers were identified for inclusion in this review. In many studies reviewed, infection prevention and control was identified by paramedics as being important, however compliance with hand hygiene practices was low and most studies highlighting the need for more education and training on infectious disease for paramedics. CONCLUSION:The current evidence suggests that paramedics have poor compliance with recommended IPC practices. The profession needs to improve IPC education, training, and culture.