Abstract
Introduction: Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of infectious disease transmission through occupational exposure. Despite this, rates of personal protective equipment (PPE) use vary among healthcare personnel. This cross-sectional study surveyed healthcare workers at a single academic center to determine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the perceptions and behaviors of PPE usage.Methods: An anonymous online survey through the SurveyMonkey® tool (Zendesk Inc., San Francisco, California) was sent to the University of California, Irvine, Medical Center department listserv of nurses on March 20, 2021, and was closed on June 20, 2021.Results: Of 311 respondents, 23% admitted to suffering a splash injury to the face during a procedure. When compared to one year ago prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, PPE was more important (93% vs. 80%) and more frequently used (80% vs. 54%) by respondents. The recent COVID-19 pandemic had the strongest impact on increasing respondents’ perception of the importance of PPE (44%).Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted rates of PPE usage and perceptions of the importance of PPE among healthcare workers at a single academic institution. Implementing clear and effective education and training programs, ensuring adequate access to protective gear, and promoting a positive safety climate can help improve adherence to safety protocols and appropriate use of PPE.
Highlights
Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of infectious disease transmission through occupational exposure
Guidelines for the use and selection of protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings have been established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are based on the type of precautions used in context [8]
Despite regulations for education and training on the appropriate and correct use of PPE for all healthcare workers, studies have shown that the incidence and prevalence of body fluid contamination injuries across various specialties are not uncommon [3,4,9]
Summary
Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of infectious disease transmission through occupational exposure. Rates of personal protective equipment (PPE) use vary among healthcare personnel. This cross-sectional study surveyed healthcare workers at a single academic center to determine how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the perceptions and behaviors of PPE usage. Healthcare workers are at risk of blood-borne infection from occupational exposure to body fluids and needlestick injuries. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as “specialized clothing or equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards” [7]. This includes, but is not limited to, eye protection, mask, gloves, gown, and shoe covers. Despite regulations for education and training on the appropriate and correct use of PPE for all healthcare workers, studies have shown that the incidence and prevalence of body fluid contamination injuries across various specialties are not uncommon [3,4,9]
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