CDC study reveals struggles of healthcare personnel in ensuring infection prevention in labor and delivery

Healthcare personnel working in labor and delivery units face significant barriers in consistently implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, according to a study.

The study, conducted at the Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology 2022 Annual Meeting, identified challenges such as the demanding nature of emergency responses, the lack of specific IPC training for the labor and delivery setting, difficulties in promptly accessing personal protective equipment, the absence of standardized IPC protocols, and a perceived lack of prioritization of healthcare for women and pregnant individuals on a larger scale and within hospitals.

Participants noted the demanding nature of their work, responding to emergencies, acting as an entry point to the hospital, and frequently encountering bodily fluids. The lack of specific IPC training and education for the labor and delivery setting emerged as a significant concern, along with difficulties in locating personal protective equipment promptly.

Reference
Barnes LEA, White KA, Young MR, et al. Physician perceptions of barriers to infection prevention and control in labor and delivery. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023;doi: 10.1017/ice.2023.233. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37982245.