Health Policy Manag.  2022 Sep;32(3):304-316. 10.4332/KJHPA.2022.32.3.304.

Comparative Analysis of COVID-19 Infection Prevention Control Guidelines from Seven Countries: Implications on COVID-19 Response and Future Guidelines Development

• Jeong Y
• Lee SH

• KMID: 2534967
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4332/KJHPA.2022.32.3.304

Abstract

Background
As prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in healthcare settings has become a critical component in its effective management, COVID-19 specific infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines were developed and implemented by numerous countries. Although largely based on the current evidence-base, guidelines show much heterogeneity, as they are influenced by respective health system capacities, epidemiological risk, and socioeconomic status. This study aims to analyze the variations and concurrences of these guidelines to draw policy implications for COVID-19 response and future guidelines development.
Methods
The contents of the COVID-19 IPC guidelines were analyzed using the categories and codes developed based on “World Health Organization guidelines on core components.” Data analysis involved reviewing, appraising and synthesizing data from guidelines, which were then arranged into categories and codes. Selection of countries was based on the country income level, availability of COVID-19 specific IPC guideline developed at a national or district level.
Results
The guidelines particularly agreed on IPC measures regarding application of standard precautions and providing information to patients and visitors, monitoring and audit of IPC activities and staff illnesses, and management of built environment/equipments. The guidelines showed considerable differences in certain components, such as workplace safety measures and criteria for discontinuation of precautions. Several guidelines also contained unique features which enabled a more systematic response to COVID-19.
Conclusion
The guidelines generally complied with the current evidence-based COVID-19 management but also revealed variances stemming from differences in local health system capacity. Several unique features should be considered for benchmark in future guidelines development.

Keyword

Infection control; COVID-19; Guideline; Comparative study