Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of health professionals who worked in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 in Brazilian health services. An online survey was conducted between June and September 2020, with health professionals from Brazilian public and private institutions, based on the Health workers exposure risk assessment and management in the context of COVID-19 virus, from the World Health Organization, and 2,832 records were analyzed. Race/color and professional category were variables related to the increase of covid-19 cases among professionals. Those who self-declared themselves non-white, technical and nursing assistants had a higher chance of positive results, indicating a higher susceptibility to infection related to socioeconomic level and/or professional category and a role played in patient care. The variables structure of the health units, location, test and availability of personal protective equipment were related to the degree of risk of contracting the disease. The importance of ensuring inputs and equipment to health professionals is highlighted, especially in a pandemic context and among those with low socioeconomic level who work on the front line. Risks in emergency and scarcity situations should be prospectively monitored, adjusting to patient safety initiatives.
Keywords:
patient safety; health workers; covid-19; pandemic