(O-E7) COVID-19 Knowledge Among Healthcare Personnel and Patients in an Emergency Department

Objectives: The objective of this study was to understand difference in COVID-19 knowledge among hospital patrons and personnel.

Background: Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19, governments and healthcare professionals have worked to contain and prevent its spread. A variety of prevention methods were adopted including self-isolation; country-wide quarantines; bans on public gatherings; closing of educational institutions and borders; and city-wide lockdowns. The effectiveness of these measures require public adherence which is often related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Beliefs regarding COVID-19 are shaped by the source and accuracy of the information which has a direct effect on viral spread. To date, no such investigation has assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among hospital patrons and healthcare professionals in the United States.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to patients and healthcare professionals at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana from April 17, 2020 to November 5, 2020. Demographics and sources of COVID-19 information were collected then stratified by hospital affiliation. Outcome measures included 20 true or false questions. Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare COVID-19 knowledge score for categorical predictor variables.

Results: Health professionals demonstrated higher COVID-19 knowledge compared to ancillary staff. Ancillary staff demonstrated higher knowledge compared to patients. Those who primarily accessed scientific literature performed the best in overall COVID-19 knowledge. Significant racial differences existed among primary information source for COVID-19.

Conclusions: Patients tended to access family and friends as sources of information. Healthcare professionals relied more often on colleagues, the internet, and scientific literature. The differences in COVID-19 knowledge overall scores by primary news source among healthcare professionals versus ancillary staff versus patients suggest differences in the quality of information. Racial differences in overall COVID-19 knowledge scores and subcategory knowledge may be associated with the primary source of information.

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Funding (Optional): Not applicable