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Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control in Obstetrical Settings: A New Study

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread rapidly in New York City in the early months of 2020, infection prevention and control in obstetrical settings became a significant challenge for staff, patients, and support persons. A new study by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center outlines the policies and procedures developed to address these challenges and ensure the safety of patients and staff.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the difficulties in implementing evidence-based infection prevention and control practices in obstetrical settings during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic due to high rates of community transmission and shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Researchers developed policies and procedures for screening for COVID-19, testing for SARS-CoV-2, and clearing patients from COVID-19 precautions, as well as managing SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers and their newborns in well-baby nurseries and neonatal intensive care units.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of maternal mask use and social distancing, including placing newborns in isolates and asking mothers to remain 6 feet away unless feeding or changing their newborn.
  • Direct breastfeeding is encouraged, and early bathing is not recommended for newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers.
  • Newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers are considered persons under investigation (PUIs) until 14 days of life, the duration of the incubation period for SARS-CoV-2.
  • The study provides strategies for enhancing communication and education during the early months of the pandemic.
  • Researchers share two models of community-based care for PUI neonates.
  • The study has been peer-reviewed and published in Seminars In Perinatology.

Statistics:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges for infection prevention and control in obstetrical settings in New York City, making it difficult to implement evidence-based practices.
  • A relative lack of evidence-based practices, high rates of community transmission, and shortages of PPE created challenges for staff, patients, and support persons.
  • The incubation period for SARS-CoV-2 is 14 days, during which time newborns of SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers are considered PUIs.

Sources:

  • "Infection prevention and control for labor and delivery, well baby nurseries, and neonatal intensive care units". Seminars In Perinatology. DOI: 10.1053/j.seminperin.2020.09.014
  • NewsRx. "Reports from Columbia University Irving Medical Center Provide New Insights into COVID-19 (Infection prevention and control for labor and delivery, well baby nurseries, and neonatal intensive care units)". TB & Outbreaks Week. November 3, 2020; p 605.

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