Discontinuation of Universal Admission Testing for SARS-CoV-2 and Hospital-Onset COVID-19 Infections in England and Scotland, 2023, Pak et al.

[SNT Gatchaman]

Discontinuation of Universal Admission Testing for SARS-CoV-2 and Hospital-Onset COVID-19 Infections in England and Scotland
Theodore R. Pak; Chanu Rhee; Rui Wang; Michael Klompas

The mean (SD) weekly rate of new hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections per 1000 estimated community infections in Scotland increased from 0.78 (0.37) during the Delta dominance period, to 0.99 (0.21) during Omicron dominance, to 1.64 (0.37) after universal admission testing ended. The immediate level change was statistically significant after admission testing ended (41% relative increase; 95% CI, 6%-76%) but not after the Delta-to-Omicron transition.

Likewise, during analogous periods in England, the same mean (SD) rate increased from 0.64 (0.14) to 1.00 (0.17) to 1.39 (0.34). The immediate level change was significant after admission testing ended (26% relative increase; 95% CI, 8%-45%) but not after the Delta-to-Omicron transition.

Stopping universal admission testing in the national health systems of 2 countries (England and Scotland) was associated with significant increases in hospital-onset SARS-CoV-2 infections relative to community-onset infections.

Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infections remain common, with crude mortality estimates ranging from 3% to 13%. Hospitals should exercise caution before stopping universal admission testing for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Link | PDF (JAMA Internal Medicine)