Applying Human Factors Science to Prevent the Transmission of High Consequence Pathogens:Discoveries and the Road Ahead

摘要

Healthcare-associated transmission of highconsequence pathogens such as the Ebola virus, SARS coronavirus, MERS coronavirus, novel respiratory pathogens, multidrug-resistant bacteria, and Clostridium difficile poses a significant risk to patients, families, and healthcare workers, leading to morbidity and mortality and dramatically increased healthcare costs. Further, transmission of high-consequence pathogens in healthcare settings often serves to fuel and sustain outbreaks and epidemics. For example, recent experience during the 2014-2015 Ebola virus disease outbreak demonstrated major gaps in the effectiveness of existing infection prevention strategies to prevent transmission of high-consequence pathogens in healthcare settings.