Exploring the experiences of returned Ebola Virus Disease workers from the United Kingdom

Abstract

A brief summary of MSF EVD programmes & workers MSF has been running EVD programmes including Treatment Centres in affected countries since early 2014, and currently employs 325 international and around 4150 national staff . MSF protocols to deliver care and control transmission, and to ensure and monitor the health of workers, were available, based on experience in previous outbreaks over many years. In the latter part of 2014, other organisations and national governments established programmes in, and/or sent volunteer workers to, affected countries. In parallel, national protocols for the monitoring of returned workers, and the screening of travellers, have been established in many countries. MSF international workers have, to date, numbered some [insert] in total. Infection of MSF workers has been relatively rare, being reported in [insert] international workers, and [insert] national workers; [insert] of the latter have died. Most cases in national workers have been attributed to exposures in the community. No cases of infection due to secondary transmission from infected MSF international workers have been identified. [check]. To date, [insert] MSF international workers have returned to the UK; [insert] of these have undertaken more than one mission. No UK returnees have been infected [check] Overall aim: To describe and explore the experiences of UK EVD workers during the period following their return Specific objectives: 1. To explore experiences, perceptions, and views of interactions with family and friends 2. To explore experiences, perceptions, and views of interactions with the general public 3. To explore experiences, perceptions, and views of interactions with colleagues and managers in returning to work 4. To explore experiences, perceptions, and views of public opinion and media coverage 5. To explore experiences, perceptions, and views of policy implementation 6. To identify potential lessons, and areas for potential future research, relevant to the management of staff and programmes