Risk factors and prevention strategies for the occupational exposure of medical staff during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic (Review)

Tang, Jin; Li, Ying; Lu, Qilin; Xie, Wei; Zhou, Shijing; Liu, Yanling; Zeng, Qingchun; Li, Xugui

During the sudden epidemic of this novel coronavirus-induced pneumonia, a number of medical staff were infected and even succumbed to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Based on the experience of medical professionals from The Hubei 672 Orthopedics Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine on this COVID-19 pandemic, the present review summarizes the risk factors associated with the occupational exposure of front-line medical staff. Challenges encountered include insufficient understanding, lack of early protection, environmental factors and routine procedures and the lack of adequate prevention strategies. Overcoming these challenges can potentially enhance awareness of COVID-19 prevention and control among medical staff, in addition to strengthening the personal protection of front-line medical staff, rational area layout, regular disinfection, standardization of daily procedures, reasonable scheduling and early psychological intervention. The present article may serve as a referencing point for the prevention and control of this epidemic.