Infection and death in healthcare workers due to COVID-19: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

To identify evidences regarding infection by SARS-CoV-2 and deaths of healthcare workers and related-risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review by searching the following databases SCOPUS, VHL Regional Portal, PubMed and Embase. We included studies on infection and death of healthcare workers who delivery care for COVID-19 patients. There were no restriction on date of publication, idiom, or type of study. The search was conducted until April 14, 2020.

Results

A total of 28 articles were selected. Most mentioned risk factors were: scarcity, inadequate use or non-usage of personal protective equipment, work overload, close contact with potentially infected patients and/or coworkers, risk for aerosol-generating procedures, late diagnosis and inadequate air renovation. According to each country, the number of infected workers ranged from 1,716 to 17,306. Concerning deaths, there are data of up to 605 healthcare workers who died of COVID-19 all over the world. Evidences found were editorials, cross-sectional, and cohort studies.

Conclusion

Studies identified showed high number of infection and deaths among healthcare workers. Overload of health system was a significant factor.

Personal protective equipment; SARS virus; Health personnel; COVID-19