Barriers and facilitators to implementing protective measures against SARS For healthcare workers: a collaborative interdisciplinary study

The global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) strained health care resources in Ontario, British Columbia (BC) and elsewhere, and it appeared that basic infection control and occupational health principles were not clearly understood or consistently applied across healthcare systems. Our interdisciplinary team will generate important new knowledge to protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from SARS and other pathogens. In this 4-phased cross-sectional study we will characterize SARS-related behavioral intentions of HCWs regarding compliance with protective measures, and ability and willingness to treat SARS patients and to accept quarantine. We will explore environmental, organizational and individual determinants of HCW intentions by conducting focus groups of front-line HCWs, and of individuals responsible for implementing control measures. We will then survey over 1800 HCWs in BC and 750 Ontario nurses, and we will conduct workplace audits in the 2 BC health authorities most affected by the outbreaks to assess their organizational and environmental ability to prevent future outbreaks. Strong ties exist to disseminate the findings to those who would benefit in BC, Ontario and beyond.