Table 3.

Representative quotations on recommendations for reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among hospital employees

Recommendation	Quotations
Enhanced education and guidance
Masking: Provision of education on the scientific rationale for masking	Q18. “[It would be helpful] [i[f there was a video that you were required to watch [on the scientific rationale for masking]…I’m a respiratory therapist. I understand the route of the aerosol [transmission of SARS-CoV-2], but someone like in housekeeping might not. They are forced to wear the mask, but they might not have the understanding of why that mask is there, and how it’s protecting them.” (Respiratory therapist 1)
	Q19. “If we have another outbreak…We need masks. Lots and lots of masks, and I think it would be helpful if there was like a public service announcement on how to wear the masks, and why the masks are effective.” (Respiratory therapist 1)
Masking: Provision of educational reinforcement to promote high adherence to masking over long time periods	Q20. “[I] guess, you know, [I would recommend education] not to continue to have us let down our guard and take our mask off…” (Nurse practitioner)
	Q21. “Provide patient education around mask usage. Even though now it’s a different ballgame…a year and a half, two years later [after the start of the pandemic]. There’s a lot of mask fatigue.” (Other patient-facing position)
Masking and risk perception: Education on the importance of community and coworker transmission and encouraging and supporting masking in these settings	Q22. “I just kept picturing [people’s family members] in my head. It’s a matter of respect to wash your hands, wear your mask. You could be affecting someone’s loved one, and it’s not just [about] your immediate coworkers. It’s someone’s grandmother, someone’s husband, someone you know – a lot of people at home.” (Registered nurse 5)
Structural changes
Increased space and improved ventilation in hospitals: Need for increased space, including more breakrooms, office spaces, and individual patient rooms, as well as improved ventilation	Q23. “[Y]eah there just needs to be more space it’s just too congested … I understand it’s a business, and I think everyone gets that… But there has to be a way to maximize the benefit of bringing in money and keeping people safe at the same time.” [Pharmacist]
	Q24. “Eating is pretty high risk, just because you have to remove your mask. So, [I would recommend] making sure that there’s adequate space and time for everyone to eat.” (Resident or fellow physician 2)
	Q25. “I know it’s not realistic, but patients should probably have their own rooms.” (Registered nurse 5)
Support for sick employees: Provision of paid sick leave to increase support and enhance reporting of illnesses by employees	Q26. “As someone who had COVID…when I had it, I had to go through all of my PTO [paid time off].” (Physical therapist)
	Q27. “[The manager said,] ‘Oh, are you really sick or [are] you just calling out because you want the day off?’…They would have to break that stigma down around calling out [sick].” (Registered nurse 5)

Note. COVID, coronavirus disease; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2.