Personal protective equipment and improving compliance among healthcare workers in high-risk settings

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 400-406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hitoshi Honda ◽  
Kentaro Iwata
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment

Wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic: improving outcomes through the integration of telemedicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (Sup2) ◽  
pp. S12-S17
Author(s):  
Alisha Oropallo ◽  
John Lantis ◽  
Alexander Martin ◽  
Ammar Al Rubaiay ◽  
Na Wang
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Rapid Spread

COVID-19 is highly contagious and its rapid spread burdens the healthcare system. As the number of confirmed cases goes up, the shortage of medical resources has become a challenge. To avoid the collapse of the healthcare system during the fight with COVID-19, all healthcare workers, including wound care practitioners, should adapt to new roles and use any appropriate methods available to slow the spread of the virus. Integrating telemedicine into wound care during the outbreak helps maintain social distancing, preserve personal protective equipment and medical resources, and eliminate unnecessary exposure for both vulnerable patients and high-risk healthcare workers.

scholarly journals 495. Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment in Preventing Transmission of COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S314-S314
Author(s):  
Aldon Li ◽  
Gunter Rieg ◽  
Ana Miranda Maldonado ◽  
June Concepcion
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Positive Rate

Abstract Background Human-to-human transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 occurs during exposure to infectious respiratory particles generated by humans with COVID-19. Global personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages necessitate further studies looking at the correlation between PPE use and transmission of COVID-19 to healthcare workers (HCW). This study aims to provide data on test positivity rates of HCW wearing different PPE. Methods Retrospective Case Series. During the study period from Mar-Apr 2020, HCW were tested for SARS-CoV-2 if they 1) were exposed to COVID-19 case OR 2) had symptoms of potential COVID-19 disease per CDC criteria. Respirator masks defined as N95 or higher were used in high risk departments (Emergency and Urgent Care (ERUC), Medical/Surgical (MSU), and Intensive Care (ICU) units). Medical masks defined as surgical or procedural masks were used in low risk, outpatient departments. All departments used gowns, gloves, eye protection, and appropriate masks. Results In low risk departments, 124/1578 (7.9%) of HCW tested positive, compared to 118/1499 (7.9%) of HCW who worked in high risk departments (p=0.9886). In high risk departments, 55/626 of HCW who worked in MSU, 37/459 of HCW who worked in ERUC, and 26/414 who worked in ICU tested positive. In a logistic regression model comparing tested individuals in high risk departments to those in ambulatory settings, a slightly lower risk of a positive test among ICU employees (OR=0.786, CI=0.508–1.217) was found, and a similar risk among ERUC employees (OR=1.028, CI=0.701–1.508) and MSU employees (OR=1.129, CI=0.810–1.574) was found, but the differences were not statistically significant (p=0.5364). Conclusion HCW in ambulatory settings who used medical masks did not test positive at a higher rate than providers in high risk departments using respirators. The slightly lower positive rate in ICU providers may suggest respirator masks are beneficial in settings with higher risk of aerosolizing generating procedures, or it maybe related to training and familiarity with infection control procedures. The level of mask used was equally appropriate across all risk level care settings, providing evidence for local strategies to optimize PPE stewardship based on department assignments while protecting HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals High-risk exposure without personal protective equipment and infection with SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers: results of the CoV-CONTACT prospective cohort

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Tubiana ◽  
Charles Burdet ◽  
Nadhira Houhou ◽  
Michael Thy ◽  
Pauline Manchon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Prospective Cohort ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Risk Exposure ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Risk Of Infection ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Specific Symptom ◽  
Increased Risk

Objective: We aimed to estimate the risk of infection in Healthcare workers (HCWs) following a high-risk exposure without personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort in HCWs who had a high-risk exposure to SARS-CoV-2-infected subject without PPE. Daily symptoms were self-reported for 30 days, nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were performed at inclusion and at days 3, 5, 7 and 12, SARS-CoV-2 serology was assessed at inclusion and at day 30. Confirmed infection was defined by positive RT-PCR or seroconversion, and possible infection by one general and one specific symptom for two consecutive days. Results: Between February 5th and May 30th, 2020, 154 HCWs were enrolled within 14 days following one high-risk exposure to either a hospital patient (70/154; 46.1%) and/or a colleague (95/154; 62.5%). At day 30, 25.0% had a confirmed infection (37/148; 95%CI, 18.4%; 32.9%), and 43.9% (65/148; 95%CI, 35.9%; 52.3%) had a confirmed or possible infection. Factors independently associated with confirmed or possible SARS-CoV-2 infection were being a pharmacist or administrative assistant rather than being from medical staff (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.8, CI95%=1.3;11.2, p=0.01), and exposure to a SARS-CoV-2-infected patient rather than exposure to a SARS-CoV-2-infected colleague (aOR=2.6, CI95%=1.2;5.9, p=0.02). Among the 26 HCWs with a SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal swab, 7 (26.9%) had no symptom at the time of the RT-PCR positivity. Conclusions: The proportion of HCWs with confirmed or possible SARS-CoV-2 infection was high. There were less occurrences of high-risk exposure with patients than with colleagues, but those were associated with an increased risk of infection.

Wound care during the COVID-19 pandemic: improving outcomes through the integration of telemedicine

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (Sup4) ◽  
pp. S14-S20
Author(s):  
Alisha Oropallo ◽  
John Lantis ◽  
Alexander Martin ◽  
Ammar Al Rubaiay ◽  
Na Wang
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Medical Resources ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Rapid Spread

COVID-19 is highly contagious and its rapid spread burdens the healthcare system. As the number of confirmed cases goes up, the shortage of medical resources has become a challenge. To avoid the collapse of the healthcare system during the fight with COVID-19, all healthcare workers, including wound care practitioners, should adapt to new roles and use any appropriate methods available to slow the spread of the virus. Integrating telemedicine into wound care during the outbreak helps maintain social distancing, preserve personal protective equipment and medical resources, and eliminate unnecessary exposure for both vulnerable patients and high-risk healthcare workers.

Personal protective equipment and personal cooling garments to reduce heat-related stress and injuries

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Nilesh K Tumram
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Personal Cooling ◽  
Cooling Garments

Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is essential for healthcare workers when dealing with patients who have tested positive or are suspected of having Covid-19. Personal protective equipment is uncomfortable at best. In hot countries (like India) or in a hot place of work, its wearers are at a high risk of heat-related illnesses. Once in personal protective equipment a healthcare worker can remain in it for at least 6 h at a stretch. In summer when it is hot and humid, personal protective equipment can cause wearer dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat fatigue. In a severe form, this can result in heat stroke and a collapse while on duty. Preventive measures are needed to protect healthcare workers. This review aims to highlight the efficacy and applicability of personal cooling garments.

scholarly journals Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7378
Author(s):  
Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Duong Dinh Le ◽  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Trung Dinh Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Stress Component ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Laboratory Workers ◽  
Frontline Healthcare Workers ◽  
Second Wave

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During the outbreak, HCWs were quarantined within the health facilities in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to their respective communities. Using the stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), we assessed the level of stress among HCWs in Da Nang city. Between 30 August and 15 September 2020, 746 frontline HCWs were recruited to fill in an online structured questionnaire. Overall, 44.6% of participants experienced increased stress and 18.9% severe or extremely severe stress. In multivariable analysis, increased stress was associated with longer working hours (OR = 1.012; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019), working in health facilities providing COVID-19 treatment (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39), having direct contact with patients or their bio-samples (physicians, nurses and laboratory workers; OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99), low confidence in the available personal protective equipment (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.744–0.962) and low knowledge on COVID-19 prevention and treatment (OR = 0.853; 95% CI: 0.739–0.986). In conclusion, many frontline HCWs experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang city. Reducing working time, providing essential personal protective equipment and enhancing the knowledge on COVID-19 will help to reduce this stress. Moreover, extra support is needed for HCWs who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients.

scholarly journals Fit Testing Retrofitted Full-Face Snorkel Masks as a Form of Novel Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Stephanie Toigo ◽  
Michel Jacques ◽  
Tarek Razek ◽  
Ewa Rajda ◽  
Sidney Omelon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Passing Rate ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
Full Face ◽  
Medical Grade

ABSTRACT Objective: Bottlenecks in the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain have contributed to shortages of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in fractures in the functionality of healthcare systems. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of retrofitted commercial snorkel masks as an alternative respirator for healthcare workers during infectious disease outbreaks. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, analyzing qualitative and quantitative fit test results of the retrofitted Aria Ocean Reef® full-face snorkeling mask on healthcare workers at the McGill University Health Centre between April-June 2020. Historical fit test results, using medical-grade respirators, for healthcare workers were also analyzed. Results: During the study period, 71 participants volunteered for fit testing, 60.6% of which were nurses. The overall fit test passing rate using the snorkel mask was 83.1%. Of the participants who did not previously pass fit testing with medical-grade respirators, 80% achieved a passing fit test with the snorkel respirator. Conclusions: The results suggest that this novel respirator may be an effective and feasible alternative solution to address PPE shortages, while still providing healthcare workers with ample protection. Additional robust testing will be required to ensure that respirator fit is maintained, after numerous rounds of disinfection.

scholarly journals Acoustic voice characteristics with and without wearing a facemask

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Duy Duong Nguyen ◽  
Patricia McCabe ◽  
Donna Thomas ◽  
Alison Purcell ◽  
Maree Doble ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Mask Condition ◽  
Connected Speech ◽  
Significant Attenuation ◽  
Cepstral Peak Prominence ◽  
Vocal Intensity ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
The Voice

AbstractFacemasks are essential for healthcare workers but characteristics of the voice whilst wearing this personal protective equipment are not well understood. In the present study, we compared acoustic voice measures in recordings of sixteen adults producing standardised vocal tasks with and without wearing either a surgical mask or a KN95 mask. Data were analysed for mean spectral levels at 0–1 kHz and 1–8 kHz regions, an energy ratio between 0–1 and 1–8 kHz (LH1000), harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPS), and vocal intensity. In connected speech there was significant attenuation of mean spectral level at 1–8 kHz region and there was no significant change in this measure at 0–1 kHz. Mean spectral levels of vowel did not change significantly in mask-wearing conditions. LH1000 for connected speech significantly increased whilst wearing either a surgical mask or KN95 mask but no significant change in this measure was found for vowel. HNR was higher in the mask-wearing conditions than the no-mask condition. CPPS and vocal intensity did not change in mask-wearing conditions. These findings implied an attenuation effects of wearing these types of masks on the voice spectra with surgical mask showing less impact than the KN95.

scholarly journals Adherence to personal protective equipment use among healthcare workers caring for confirmed COVID-19 and alleged non-COVID-19 patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meike M. Neuwirth ◽  
Frauke Mattner ◽  
Robin Otchwemah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Care Workers

AbstractAdherence observations of health care workers (HCW) revealed deficiencies in the use of recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) among HCW caring in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards during the first period of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a university hospital in Germany. The adherence to wearing surgical face or FFP2-masks and disinfecting hands prior to donning and after doffing the PPE was significantly higher in COVID-19 wards However, there was no total adherence of 100% in COVID-19 wards.

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