Constructing a work management model for outsourced personnel in medical institutions during the COVID-19 epidemic

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, outsourcing non-core services like cleaning, security, and logistics allowed healthcare facilities to focus on patient care. In Taiwan, the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s guidelines ensured outsourced staff were properly trained to minimize infection risks, supporting epidemic control. Our hospital’s “Epidemic Response Command System” highlighted the critical role of outsourced personnel in maintaining operational continuity, enabling medical staff to focus on patient care. Outsourcing was essential for supporting logistics and operations, ensuring the smooth functioning of the hospital while healthcare professionals focused on direct patient care. Simultaneously, stringent auditing mechanisms were established to enable outsourced colleagues to perform tasks within a safety-controlled framework. Emphasis was placed on prioritized and enhanced management for personnel engaged in cleaning, transportation, and access security, including personnel segregation and diversion management. In-depth on-site training by infection control nurses covered cleaning, disinfection operations, health management, and counseling mechanisms. It was executed meticulously, given the paramount importance of operations auditing in infection control and epidemic prevention effectiveness. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for stricter infection control. Reducing outsourced personnel ensures standardized hygiene protocols, better staff protection, and reduced legal risks, improving overall healthcare response. In future planning for specialized units, medical institutions should consider minimizing outsourced personnel or implementing measures, such as enhancing salary and benefits, for dedicated on-site staff.