BACKGROUND Italy has been one of the first European countries hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many patients dying from severe respiratory issues, especially frail subjects. Hematology patients are generally thought to be at high risk of developing severe COVID-19-associated complications. The aim of this work was to describe the infection control measures adopted in Italian hematology settings to protect patients and health-care professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS On behalf of the Nursing Campus in Hematology Group, a nationwide nursing survey was conducted. Questionnaire items included general information, infection control measures, patient and health-care professional protection, information management, and participants' opinion on critical issues. Data have been analyzed by center location (Northern, Central, or Southern Italy) and by patient age (adult vs pediatric). RESULTS Forty-four Italian hematology centers participated, representing 52.4% of those invited. Patients underwent nasopharyngeal swabs (93.2%) generally the day before admission (43.2%), though less frequently in Southern centers (p = 0.0377). Visitor restrictions were implemented in all centers: 65.9% barred all visitors, while 25.0% allowed visitors only for patients with specific conditions, especially in Central Italy. Deficiency of personal protective equipment, including masks (45.5%) and gloves (22.7%), was reported, although the nurses' opinion was that the emergency was nevertheless well managed to protect patients and professionals. Almost all health-care institutions (97.7%) provided recommendations on emergency management. No significant differences were found between adult and pediatric centers in terms of infection prevention and control. DISCUSSION Low variability in patient protection strategies was observed, meaning that national recommendations were effective. However, some critical issues emerged regarding the management of infected health-care professionals and their contacts.

中文翻译：

---

意大利 COVID-19 大流行期间的血液学患者保护：全国护理调查。


背景意大利是最早受到 COVID-19 大流行影响的欧洲国家之一，许多患者死于严重的呼吸道疾病，尤其是体弱者。人们普遍认为血液病患者发生严重的 COVID-19 相关并发症的风险很高。这项工作的目的是描述意大利血液学机构为保护患者和医疗保健专业人员而采取的感染控制措施。材料和方法代表血液学组护理校区进行了一项全国性护理调查。调查问卷项目包括一般信息、感染控制措施、患者和医护人员的专业保护、信息管理以及参与者对关键问题的看法。数据按中心位置（意大利北部、中部或南部）和患者年龄（成人与儿童）进行分析。结果 44 个意大利血液学中心参加，占受邀者的 52.4%。患者通常在入院前一天（43.2%）接受鼻咽拭子检查（93.2%），但在南方中心频率较低（p = 0.0377）。所有中心都实施了访客限制：65.9% 的中心禁止所有访客，而 25.0% 的中心仅允许患有特定病症的患者访客，尤其是在意大利中部。据报告，个人防护装备缺乏，包括口罩（45.5%）和手套（22.7%），尽管护士们认为紧急情况处理得很好，可以保护患者和专业人员。几乎所有医疗机构（97.7%）都提供了应急管理建议。成人中心和儿科中心在感染预防和控制方面没有发现显着差异。 讨论 观察到患者保护策略的变异性较小，这意味着国家建议是有效的。然而，在受感染的卫生保健专业人员及其接触者的管理方面出现了一些关键问题。