Evaluating Healthcare Worker Competence in the Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID Era: A Quality Improvement Project.

Max Prokopenko,Omar Risk,Maria Katerina Pissaridou,Harman Khatkar

doi:10.7759/cureus.11954

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance has rapidly evolved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) should use PPE correctly to reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission of the coronavirus. We predict a lack of training regarding correct PPE usage amongst HCWs and introduce a low-resource method of training.Methods: HCWs from various disciplines at a District General Hospital self-rated their ability in utilising PPE using uncontrolled pre- and post-session 16-item questionnaires following a single PPE training session. Participant responses were analysed using Student's t-test for independent (unpaired) samples.Results: Of 64 participants, 37 participants (59%) received any prior PPE training. Six participants (9%) previously received specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 PPE training. Survey scores were higher in the post-test than the pre-test group.Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of formal PPE training amongst HCWs and the need for establishing PPE training as part of the mandatory training of HCWs.

Highlights

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance has rapidly evolved
This study investigates whether Healthcare workers (HCWs) at a local level are adequately trained in PPE usage in relation to SARS-CoV-2
We aimed to gauge the level of understanding and ability of correct PPE usage at a single District General Hospital (DGH) and a facility funded by a private healthcare provider in the United Kingdom

Summary

Introduction

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance has rapidly evolved. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It was detected in humans at the end of 2019, in Wuhan, Hubei, China [1]. Preliminary data suggests infection with SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate an immune reaction, with a proliferation of immune factors leading to a ‘cytokine storm’. The result of this is extensive tissue damage [3]. Human-to-human transmission occurs predominantly via direct contact with infected cases and respiratory droplets (>5 μm) [4]. PHE recommends type IIR compliant fluid-resistant surgical masks (FRSM) to be worn in all clinical areas to reduce risk of droplet transmission [3]

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