Healthcare Worker (HCW)
healthcareAny person delivering or supporting patient care whose role involves potential exposure to infectious agents.
Definition
A healthcare worker (HCW) is any individual — clinical or non-clinical — whose work brings them into contact with patients, patient environments, body fluids, or contaminated equipment. This includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, environmental services staff, porters, and laboratory personnel.
Why it matters
HCWs are both a potential vector and a potential victim of infection transmission. Effective disinfection protocols and PPE protect them and, by extension, the patients they serve.
Practical applications
PPE requirements during disinfection tasks, hand hygiene compliance, and safe handling of chlorine solutions during cleaning.
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