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RESEARCH PAPER
Infection Prevention and Control among Polish Healthcare Workers during COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Readiness and Resource Gaps
 
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1
Centrum Innowacyjnych Terapii – Centrum Koordynacji Badań Klinicznych Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w Krakowie
 
2
Zakład Kontroli Zakażeń i Mykologii, Katedra Mikrobiologii, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Collegium Medicum w Krakowie
 
3
Klinika Reumatologii i Immunologii, Uniwersytet Jagielloński Collegium Medicum
 
4
Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu i Medycynie, Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Tarnowie
 
 
Submission date: 2026-02-07
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-05-09
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-05-12
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-06-09
 
 
Corresponding author
Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach   

Zakład Kontroli Zakażeń i Mykologii, Katedra Mikrobiologii, Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Collegium Medicum w Krakowie, Polska
 
 
 
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ABSTRACT
Objective: This systematic review aimed to assess the preparedness of Polish healthcare workers (HCWs) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on exposure to SARS-CoV-2, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention and control (IPC) training, and vaccination coverage. In addition, the review aimed to evaluate actual exposure to SARS‑CoV‑2, as reflected by seroprevalence of anti‑SARS‑CoV‑2 antibodies among HCWs. Material and methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search of Embase, Cochrane, MEDLINE/PubMed, and Polish-language journals was conducted. Studies involving HCWs in Poland were included if they reported on seroprevalence, PPE use, IPC training, or vaccination status prior to the implementation of the vaccination program. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Seroprevalence among HCWs ranged from 6.2% to 70%, with a median of 32.9%, indicating significant occupational exposure. Self-reported awareness of IPC principles was high (78–88%), but in one of the included studies, only 1.4% of participants reported mask use consistent with WHO guidance. Half of the surveyed HCWs reported insufficient access to PPE. Vaccination coverage among HCWs reached of 85.2%, higher than in the general population. Conclusions: The preparedness to protect HCWs in Poland during the early phase of the COVID‑19 pandemic revealed gaps at both the system level and in individual protective practices. Despite high vaccination coverage, ensuring the safety of HCWs requires the simultaneous strengthening of resources and organisational measures as well as supporting adherence to protective behaviours (e.g., mask/PPE use). An integrated approach to IPC and reliable PPE availability is essential for health‑system resilience in the event of future crises.
eISSN:2545-1898
ISSN:0033-2100
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