scholarly journals Protecting healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Australian results from the PPE-SAFE survey.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahesh Ramanan ◽  
Alexis Tabah ◽  
Kevin Laupland
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
The World ◽  
Fit Testing ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Current Practices

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE). Healthcare workers (HCW) have comprised a significant proportion of COVID-19 cases in many countries. The PPE-SAFE survey was conducted to study current practices, availability, shortages, training and confidence in PPE amongst intensive care HCWs around the world. Herein, we describe the results of the Australian respondents to the PPE-SAFE survey. 29% of respondents reported that at least one item of usually available PPE was missing, and 12% reported reuse of single-use items. Only 40% felt that the PPE available to them offered adequate protection. Fit-testing of respirators had never been performed for 47% of respondents, and 49% reported at least one adverse effect from the use of PPE.

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 Covid-19 and the N95 respirator shortage: Closing the gap

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 958-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nogee ◽  
Anthony J. Tomassoni
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Closing The Gap

AbstractDue to extreme shortages of personal protective equipment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers will be forced to recycle protective masks intended for disposal after a single use. We propose investigating the use of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation to sterilize masks of SARS-CoV-2 for safer reuse.

DELIVERING INTENSIVE CARE TO COVID-19 PATIENTS WHILE PROTECTING THEMSELVES: CHALLENGES FACED BY FRONT LINE ANAESTHESIOLOGISTS

2021 ◽  
pp. 19-21
Author(s):  
Monica Chhikara ◽  
Prashant Kumar ◽  
Priyanka Bansal ◽  
Reena Mahajan ◽  
Preeti Gehlaut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Airway Management ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Central Venous ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Junior Residents

Background and Objectives: Frontline anaesthesiologist working in Covid 19 Intensive care units are the key to the management and containment of this infectious disease. Hence, their protection is of utmost importance in managing this epidemic. The equipment used for this purpose, pose technical difculties. This study is a survey of these challenges faced by anaesthesiologists. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive, cross sectional questionnaire based study which included 67 Anesthesiologist junior residents, senior residents and consultants. A valid Google form Questionnaire regarding technical difculties due to use of personal protective equipment was prepared and sent online to all participants. The responses were recorded and tabulated. Results: Physical fatigue due to PPE was experienced by 36(53.7%) residents and difculties in airway management by 66(98.5%) residents. Fogging of goggles was the major difculty (52.2%) during airway management. Intubation while using only PPE (71.6%) was a preferred method of intubation rather than using acrylic box (4.5%) or transparent sheet (23.9%). Apart from managing airway, other procedures like central venous cannulation was found to be always difcult (23.9%). Training program for managing pandemic was found to be helpful and 70.1% residents expressed the need for its conduct before every posting. Conclusion: Managing Covid 19 patients in a highly demanding area like intensive care units while using personal protective equipment has unveiled special challenges and concerns for frontline anaesthesiologists. Addressing them appropriately is the need of hour for the wellbeing of healthcare workers and effective patient management.

scholarly journals Assessment of N95 respirator decontamination and re-use for SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Fischer ◽  
Dylan H. Morris ◽  
Neeltje van Doremalen ◽  
Shanda Sarchette ◽  
M. Jeremiah Matson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Single Use ◽  
N95 Respirators

The unprecedented pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has created worldwide shortages of personal protective equipment, in particular respiratory protection such as N95 respirators. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is frequently occurring in hospital settings, with numerous reported cases of nosocomial transmission highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare workers. In general, N95 respirators are designed for single use prior to disposal. Here, we have analyzed four readily available and often used decontamination methods: UV, 70% ethanol, 70C heat and vaporized hydrogen peroxide for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators. Equally important we assessed the function of the N95 respirators after multiple wear and decontamination sessions.

scholarly journals Unmasking the mask: COVID-19 manifestations of PPE kits

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e186-e186
Author(s):  
Santhanakrishnaan Soundarya ◽  
Srinivasan Sundaramoorthy
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The Body ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sensitive Organ ◽  
The World

The world is now facing a new unexpected pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is a coronavirus that mainly targets the lungs, a very vital and sensitive organ of the body. Research and healthcare workers are still struggling to contain the disease and eradicate the virus. Before the invention of a vaccine, the virus may take at least several more millions of lives. On top of this, dermatologists are facing numerous challenges because of the regulations put forward by the WHO and local governments. This article discusses in detail various dermatological eruptions caused by the personal protective equipment (PPE) used in combating the disease. This should be an eye-opener for dermatologists worldwide.

scholarly journals Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Prevent the COVID-19. What Do Healthcare Workers Really Need to Protect Themselves and Survive?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rami AL Edwan
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Medical Practices ◽  
The World ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

Background: The healthcare workers are exposed to dangerous pathogen agents during the outbreak of the new coronavirus COVID-19. To minimize the risk of becoming infected by this virus, healthcare workers need to wear the most appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the guidelines that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for the rational use of EPP to protect healthcare workers against the novel coronavirus COVID-19.Methodology: To learn how to effectively protect healthcare workers against the COVID-19, a detailed analysis and comparison of the WHO and CDC guidelines related to the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE) in different healthcare settings was carried out. Results: The results of this study based on an analysis of PPE recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that the safety and protection of healthcare workers can be maximized if the guidelines suggested by these institutions are followed. In general, the WHO and CDC recommendations based on medical practices are similar, and depending on the healthcare activities and settings where the healthcare workers perform their work, suggest wearing medical/surgical facemasks, respirators, googles and face shields (eye protection), gloves, gowns and aprons. Conclusions: The protection and safety of the healthcare workers can be maximized during the outbreak of COVID-19 by following the WHO and CDC recommendations described in this study. The general guidelines offered by these institutions are similar and based on medical practices.

scholarly journals Assessment of N95 respirator decontamination and re-use for SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Fischer ◽  
Dylan H. Morris ◽  
Neeltje van Doremalen ◽  
Shanda Sarchette ◽  
Jeremiah Matson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Uv Radiation ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Protection ◽  
Single Use ◽  
N95 Respirators

The unprecedented pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 has created worldwide shortages of personal protective equipment, in particular respiratory protection such as N95 respirators. SARS-CoV-2 transmission is frequently occurring in hospital settings, with numerous reported cases of nosocomial transmission highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare workers. In general, N95 respirators are designed for single use prior to disposal. Several groups have addressed the potential for re-use of N95 respirators from a mechanical or from a decontamination perspective. Here, we analyzed four different decontamination methods – UV radiation (260 – 285 nm), 70ºC heat, 70% ethanol and vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) – for their ability to reduce contamination with infectious SARS-CoV-2 and their effect on N95 respirator function.

scholarly journals Personal Protective Equipment for Healthcare Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1420-1425
Author(s):  
Chinmay Mahatme
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Safety ◽  
Appropriate Care ◽  
The World ◽  
Precautionary Measures

COVID is a highly contagious viral disease that has caused massive outbreaks throughout the world causing a pandemic. The need to curtail its spread is quite evident in the numbers itself, with over 10.5 million cases worldwide as of today. The healthcare professionals face a multitude of problems in a scenario like this and their protection is of utmost importance. This unprecedented scenario requires them to form new habits that ensure their safety and therefore it is of great importance that information regarding personal safety be reviewed from time to time as knowledge takes time and repetition to get converted into actions and even more so to get converted to habit. A lot of misconceptions also exist regarding the equipment and practices that need to be implemented that require clarification. This article reviews strategies to be used by the healthcare workers and the hospital to tackle cases effectively, provide appropriate care and at the same time ensure their own safety and safety of all other personnel at the hospital as well as patients. An important aspect covered here is personal protective. Information regarding the equipment, it’s uses, and protocols are explored with the aim of strengthening the knowledge base of the healthcare force and to reinforce precautionary measures to be taken during these tough times. 

scholarly journals Personal protective equipment use by healthcare workers in intensive care unit during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: a secondary analysis of the PPE-SAFE survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 204993612199856
Author(s):  
Mariachiara Ippolito ◽  
Mahesh Ramanan ◽  
Davide Bellina ◽  
Giulia Catalisano ◽  
Pasquale Iozzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
International Study ◽  
Western Country ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Occupational Infection ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Italy was the first Western country to be heavily affected by COVID-19. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were exposed to a high risk of occupational infection, partially due to insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. This study aimed to describe the practices, availability, training, confidence in PPE use and the adverse effects due to extended PPE use, as reported by HCWs in Italy. We also aimed to provide a comparison between Italian data and those from other countries. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a previously published international study, the PPE-SAFE Survey, conducted in April 2020. Data were analysed from the original study database. Results: We analysed the responses from 380 healthcare workers based in Italy, out of the 2711 respondents to the international survey. Among the Italian respondents, FFP2 and FFP3 respirators or equivalent were the most used masks for routine tasks (respectively 188/380, 50%; and 163/380, 43%). The median time of wearing PPE without taking a break was 5 h [interquartile range (IQR) 4–6], with statistically significant difference from other countries [median 4 h (IQR 2–5) p < 0.0001]. In Italy, 249 out of 380 (65%) HCWs had never performed a formal fit test for a N95 mask or equivalent and 91/380 (24%) never had a partner for donning and doffing procedures. Most of the respondents (299/380, 79%) had received formal training in PPE use at any time. Conclusion: Most of the surveyed Italian HCWs reported working at above usual capacity, long shifts with PPE without breaks and routine use in intensive care unit of aerosol protection (e.g. FFP2/FFP3), hazmat suits and face shields/visors. The correct adherence to safety procedures (e.g. donning/doffing in pairs, performing fit test) has substantial scope for improvement in the future.

scholarly journals Review of Coveralls, Gowns, and their Use as Part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE KIT) for Effective Protection of Healthcare Workers in India in COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raag Setia ◽  
Anita Kamra Verma
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Woven Fabrics ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Effective Protection ◽  
Test Standards ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Control Functional

Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and public health professionals are playing a pivotal role in containing COVID-19. Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) are a critical component in the hierarchy of primary infection controls to ‘break the chain of infection’ to protect patients, HCW’s, and public. As SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious, and vaccine and prophylactics not yet available, understanding correct PPE usage is imperative. This study aims to: understand purpose, use, and quality standards of body-coveralls and gowns and how to use PPE’s for effective protection in COVID 19 in India. Types of PPE’s in healthcare, their purposes, materials used, and properties were reviewed. Gowns and Body-coveralls classification and standards in Europe, USA and India were studied.  While current stipulated test standards for coveralls in India are lower, as routine use of reusable gowns made of woven fabrics is more common in India, one could hypothesize that these coveralls provide a higher level of protection. As per current understanding of mode(s) of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 a properly fitted N95 respirator; goggles and splash resistant face shield; gloves; and single-use full body-coverall/gown preferably resistant to Synthetic Blood Penetration under pressure and made of non-woven Laminated SMS (Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond)_or Non Laminated SSMMS fabrics are advisable depending upon anticipated level of exposure. HCW’s should educated about transmission risks, correct principles of infection control, functional purpose of PPE’s and must be conscious that PPE’s alone will not protect them.  They must follow good practices of how to wear (don) and how to remove (doff) and ensure that they do not inadvertently contaminate their clothing/skin and self-inoculate.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document