Infection prevention for immunocompromised patients: A cross-translational multicentric survey of current organization in France

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate current organization of infection prevention for immunocompromised patients (ICP) at a countrywide level.

Methods: Nationwide cross-sectional multicenter study based on an online survey disseminated in 2022 to physicians invested with preventive healthcare missions.

Results: A total of 341 physicians (96% graduates, 32% infectious disease specialists), participated in the survey, with a median age of 40 [35-51] years. On-site access to infection prevention consultations for ICP was reported by 30%, dedicated pre-travel consultations for ICPs by 29%, consultations for infection prevention in solid organ transplant candidates by 16% and return-to-work consultations for ICPs by 6%. Most participants (73%) were aware of nationwide vaccination guidelines for ICP, while 50% felt comfortable using them. Tools for infection prevention advice and ICP vaccination had been developed by 10%, while 89% would have appreciated access to tools developed by others.

Conclusions: Infection prevention for ICPs remains neglected. Guidelines covering all fields of prevention for ICPs would be more than welcome.

Keywords: Immunocompromised; Infectious risk; Prevention; Vaccination.