PPE Usage Research Articles

The Relationship of Individual Characteristics and Farm Biosecurity Implementation with The Incident of Contact Dermatitis

Poultry workers risk contracting diseases due to physical or biological exposure. One such disease is contact dermatitis. This study aims to analyze the individual and the application of livestock biosecurity that can be associated with cases of contact dermatitis in cage workers. This study a descriptive-quantitative that uses a cross-sectional approach. The research was conducted at PT. X in June 2022. The sample of this study was 43 people who were taken through simple random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The results were then tested using Chi-Square and Odds Ratio (OR) with a Confidence Level of 95%. The study showed that two variables were associated with contact dermatitis, namely cage ventilation (OR= 5.45; 95% CI: 1.21 - 24.43; P=0,020) and frequency of hand washing (OR= 2.70; 95% CI: 2.57 - 282.99; P=0,001). Meanwhile, variables that were not significantly related were age (P=0.306), gender (P=0.206), length of work (p=0.698), floor (P=1.000), and PPE usage (P=0.245). Poor environmental quality and personal hygiene practices could affect contact dermatitis in workers. Therefore, efforts are needed, such as occupational safety and health education for workers, routine health checks, and environmental inspections at PT. X.

BC Cancer Radiation Therapists' perspective on the impact of COVID-19 precautions in clinical practice

IntroductionThere were many policy and procedure (P&P) changes implemented in health care facilities to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Common changes included an increase in personal protective equipment usage, room occupancy limits, limitations in visitors/family members and the absence of volunteers. This study evaluated the current views and opinions of Radiation Therapists (RTs) in British Columbia relating to how COVID-19 P&P changes have impacted their clinical practice. The goal was to identify gaps in the areas of RT practice, allow for self-reflection among RTs and potentially guide future P&Ps with patient-centred care at the forefront. MethodsA 24-item cross-sectional questionnaire was created and sent via e-mail to all RTs working across the province. Key sections explored in the questionnaire were: 1) patient care delivery, 2) staff-work environment, and 3) work satisfaction. Descriptive analysis was performed on the questionnaire responses. ResultsOf the approximate 300 invited participants, 107 responses were received from all areas of Radiation Therapy (Treatment units, CT simulation, Dosimetry, etc.) and from all cancer centres in the province. RT staff indicated that COVID-19 P&P negatively impacted patient care, including the ability to verbally and non-verbally communicate with patients (82 %), assess for side effects (85 %), and build rapport (62 %). A majority (79 %) of RT staff felt that communication with co-workers had been negatively impacted as well. When queried regarding the impact on staff environment, 51 % of RT staff agreed that the absence of volunteers increased their workload and the responses were polarized (46 % disagree, 35 % agree) when asked if RT staff have enough time for cleaning their clinical areas with new COVID-19 P&Ps in place. 78 % of RTs were aware of where to go with COVID-19 safety concerns and thought they received adequate education concerning COVID P&Ps. When asked to rank the factors that most impacted RT practice, RTs identified increased PPE usage (83 %), absence of volunteers (74 %), and room occupancy limits (70 %) as the leading P&P changes that negatively impacted their practice; while plexiglass barriers (39 %), re-arranged workspaces (37 %) and working remotely (12 %) were the least negatively impactful. ConclusionThe majority of RTs across BC Cancer responding to the questionnaire indicated that their ability to provide patient care and their staff-work environment were negatively impacted by implemented COVID-19 P&Ps. Views regarding COVID-19 P&P training/education was positive, yet there was no consensus regarding whether the changes were implemented smoothly. This study can facilitate reflection among both clinical leadership and RTs on how P&Ps can be implemented in the future and can encourage further retrospective analyses in aiding the development of P&Ps regarding future public health outbreaks.

Professional profile in veterinary oncology: A Brazilian nationwide survey.

Veterinary oncology is constituted mainly by human-use drugs with hazardous agents. Occupational risks are present in all stages of handling. Many studies highlighted that veterinarians and pharmacists staff present a lack of knowledge and insufficient structure for promoting safety practices. This study investigated the professional profile and structure of veterinary antineoplastic chemotherapy in Brazilian services. A nationwide survey was carried out through digital platforms by a self-applicable from 2020 to 2021. The characteristics of the structure, facilities, professional profiles, practices related to antineoplastic chemotherapy services, and inspections provided by regulatory companies were investigated. Frequency and ranges were used to examine and describe data. This study analyzed 108 respondents from all Brazilian regions where 36 participants worked in veterinary oncology. Dogs and cats comprised more than 90% of animals assisted. Vincristine, doxorubicin, carboplatin, vinblastine, and cyclophosphamide were the most commonly used drugs. Considering pharmacists-led (n = 4) vs veterinarians-led (n = 18) services, structure with safety for handling hazardous drugs (4 vs 9), correct PPE usage (3 vs 0), and occurrence of occupational accident (0 vs 5) were registered. Almost 60% were dissatisfied with the structure and the managerial unwillingness to promote facility improvements. The majority of participants reported an absence of service inspection. The results demonstrated worrying concerning the inadequacy of the physical structure of the facilities, human resources, and handling hazardous drugs increased occupational health risk. The lack of competent authority standards and supervision corroborates practices that expose professionals, the population, and the environment to hazardous agents.

451. Pre- and Post-implementation Comparison of the Impact of Emergency Department (ED)-Based COVID-19 Point-of-Care Testing on ED Patient Metrics

Abstract Background Use of Point of Care Testing (POCT) in Emergency Departments (EDs) may afford the opportunity to improve key ED operational metrics. We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 POCT on time to delivery of test results, rates of patients who left the ED with or without a COVID-19 diagnosis, and the amount of time COVID-19-negative patients spent in isolation. Methods Retrospective pre-POCT (7/1/2020 – 8/31/2020, N=4105) and post-POCT (1/1/2021 – 3/31/2021, N=4795) implementation analysis of patients presenting to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Adult ED who received symptomatic COVID-19 testing. Both pre- and post-implementation POCT was performed using the Cepheid GeneXpert SARS-CoV-2 or SARS-CoV-2/Flu A/B/RSV nucleic acid tests, which have a run time of 45 minutes; pre-POCT occurred in the hospital central lab and POCT occurred in a POC testing lab established in the ED. Results Post-implementation, the time from arrival to test result for all patients decreased by an average of 133.2 ± 3.3 minutes; the time to delivery of test result decreased by 177.4 ± 16.02 minutes for COVID+ patients. Reduction in time to test result was associated with a significant decrease in the percentage of patients who were discharged from the ED without their result being known prior to departure: pre-implementation, 8.7% of all tested patients left without a known result, with 21% of COVID+ patients leaving prior to receiving a diagnosis; post-implementation, only 0.92% of all tested patients and 0.68% of COVID+ patients left the ED without a final COVID diagnosis. The amount of time COVID-19 negative patients spent in isolation in the ED decreased by an average of 129.7 ± 3.3 minutes post-POCT implementation. Conclusion Use of ED POCT for COVID-19 in the ED resulted in more rapid time to test results and fewer patients leaving the ED who did not know their COVID-19 status, decreasing the likelihood that a COVID+ patient would unknowingly expose others in the community. Additionally, the improved time-to-test-result reduced the amount of time COVID-negative patients spent in isolation, enabling clinical staff to avoid unnecessary PPE usage and free up negative pressure beds. Disclosures Katherine ZJ Fenstermacher, PhD, Cepheid: Grant/Research Support Jeanne Mumford, MT, Cepheid Speaker Bureau: Advisor/Consultant|Cepheid Speaker Bureau: Honoraria Richard E. Rothman, MD, PhD, CEPHEID: Advisor/Consultant|Cepheid: Grant/Research Support|Danaher: Grant/Research Support

Beyond the Frontlines: Assessing PPE Waste Disposal in Lahore's Major Public Hospitals During COVID-19 and its Environmental Consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world like fire in a forest. Many preventative measures were suggested, among which one was the use of PPE. PPE was already being used in hospitals to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. The current pandemic led to an enormous increase in PPE usage, both in hospitals and domestic circuits. However, it has been observed that PPE waste is not being handled and administered appropriately in some major hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan. This mishandling can lead to the rapid spread of diseases, more specifically, the current pandemic, COVID-19. Our study aimed to describe the management of PPE waste in public hospitals. The data was collected by direct and indirect observations of staff in the hospital, including the ones in administration, and the way they managed the waste. The condition of infectious waste in the waste depots of hospitals was also observed and noted. It was observed that not all the hospitals were following the guidelines provided by the WHO about PPE waste. Segregation, storage and transportation were below Pakistan’s biosafety rules for 2015 and WHO standards. It could lead to many health and environmental problems. Our study highlights the need for staff training regarding segregation and the proper storage and disposal of hospitals' waste. Certain recommendations in this regard have also been reported to put a stop to the issue of PPE waste and its drastic consequences for the environment.

Knowledge’s and Practices of Cross Infection Control Protocols among Dental Health Care Professionals in Public Sector University of Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge and practices of cross-infection control protocols among dental health care professionals (DHCP). 2.To compare the scores among different groups: junior and senior, male and female DHCPs, as well as between doctors and non-doctors. Study design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 112 DHCPs from a public sector university in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: Participants were provided with self-administered questionnaires, consisting of closed-ended and multiplechoice questions, designed to evaluate their knowledge and practices concerning cross-infection control. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p=0.05 for comparison of scores. Results: Data of 112 participants was analyzed. The male to female ratio was 3:5 with mean age of 25 years. 97.3% of the population believed aerosols as main cause of communicable diseases reported to be vaccinated for hepatitis B. The knowledge was good, and practices were adequate to ensure cross-infection control, but we found difference between the diploma holders and graduate/postgraduates and between graduate and postgraduates at p-value 0.05. Conclusions: The results indicate showed the knowledge and practices to be adequate. Increased awareness and stringent adherence to PPE usage may have been influenced by a change in mindset following the recent pandemic. Though seminars and workshops should be arranged to provide them with updates. Also, vaccination against communicable diseases should be made mandatory for professional practice.

THE RISK OF OCCUPATIONAL CONTACT DERMATITIS IN COVID-19 ISOLATION WARD SETTING

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is a prevalent skin condition affecting healthcare workers, particularly those in high-risk environments such as COVID-19 isolation wards. This study aims to summarize the findings of a study conducted on patients to explore the risk factors associated with OCD development among healthcare professionals in COVID-19 isolation ward settings. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the risk of occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) among healthcare professionals working in the COVID-19 isolation ward setting. The study was conducted at Chaudhary Mohammad Akram Hospital for six months, from November 2021 to April 2022. Data was collected from 150 participants of both genders. The participants ranged from 22 to 55 years, with a mean age of 32.5 ± 6.8 years. The study population consisted of 55% females and 45% males. The occupation distribution included doctors (40%), nurses (50%), and support staff (10%). Clinical evaluations revealed that 38 healthcare professionals (25.3%) exhibited signs consistent with occupational contact dermatitis. Among them, 18 participants (47.4%) were diagnosed with irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), while 20 participants (52.6%) showed signs indicative of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It is concluded that this study highlights the significant prevalence of occupational contact dermatitis among healthcare professionals in COVID-19 isolation wards. Prolonged PPE usage and frequent hand hygiene practices contribute to skin irritation.

Relationship of Compliance of Personal Protective Equipment Usage and Housekeeping with Near Miss in Nurses

Introduction: The hospital is one of workplaces that has a high risk of hazard that can cause near miss. Nurses are people who play an essential role in the medical service environment. Near miss are more common than work accidents and have become a critical point for preventing workplace accidents. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping with near miss in nurses. Methods: This study used a descriptive observational design which was designed in a cross sectional way. Respondents were 53 nurses. The research data presented in the form of frequency distribution, cross tabulation, and correlation analysis. The study's independent variable is compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping, and the dependent variable is near miss. The method of data collecting in this research using a questionnaire for compliance of PPE usage, housekeeping, and near miss. Results: The relationship between housekeeping (rs =-0.259) with near miss among nurses is weak because near miss are primarily due to human error or unsafe behaviour, and housekeeping is a working condition factor that contributes little to the causes of near miss. Medium category correlation between compliance with PPE use (rs = -0.455) with near miss because nurses have an obligation to provide safe nursing actions and protect themselves from potential hazards by using PPE. Conclusion: Compliance of PPE usage and housekeeping that contribute to near miss.

952-P: The Accuracy and Feasibility of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in COVID-19 Non-Critically Ill Hospitalized Patients—A Pilot Study

Background: Optimal glycemic control is associated with favorable outcomes in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Frequent capillary blood glucose (CBG) monitoring is difficult to perform. Using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system to assist glycemic care can reduce the exposure of healthcare personnel and PPE usage. However, data on the accuracy of CGM in this setting are limited. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of real-time CGM (rt-CGM) in non-ICU hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients. Methods: This is a single-center prospective study of non-ICU hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 infection who had hyperglycemia requiring insulin therapy during admission. Medtronic Guardian Connect rt-CGM sensor and transmitter were placed on the patient’s abdomen. Paired CBG and sensor glucose values were analyzed for accuracy of CGM using mean absolute relative difference (MARD) and Clarke Error Grid Analysis (CEGA). Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled. Mean age was 48.6 ± 17.9 years. Thirteen patients (86.7%) had pre-existing diabetes. Mean HbA1c was 10.6± 3.6%. Mean duration of CGM use was 6 ± 1.2 days and mean calibration was 2.6 ± 0.7 times/day. There were 253 paired CBG and CGM measurements. The overall MARD was 9.9 ± 9.3%. The lowest MARD was observed in the CBG range of 70-180 mg/dl (9.6 ± 9.0%). The percentages of glucose readings within ±15%/15 mg/dL, ±20%/20 mg/dL, and ±30%/30 mg/dL were 80.2%, 89.7%, and 95.3%, respectively. A total of 99.2% of the data points were in zone A and B of CEGA, and none were in zone E. Percent time in range on day 1 was 57.9 ± 22.9 and improved to 64.9 ± 18.1 in the last 72 hours of sensor wear. No adverse events from the CGM were observed. CGM reduced POC testing by 30%. Conclusions: Rt-CGM use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection demonstrates high accuracy and potentially improves glucose control, reduces the frequency of CBG testing, and preserves medical resources. Disclosure C.Sakjirapapong: None. S.Sirinvaravong: None. L.Preechasuk: None. N.Thongtang: None. Funding Specific League Funds (R016421005)

The Isolation System for Treatment and Agile Response for High-Risk Infections (ISTARI) Unit, a Carecubes Design: Moving PPE Around the Patient, An Assessment of Provider Safety and Infection Control with Emergency Medicine Residents During Simulation

Introduction:The ISTARI unit is designed to be assembled in buildings or field hospitals to provide negative-pressure rooms in low-resource areas and decrease PPE use in the setting of highly-infectious diseases. Each unit is designed to perform ~20 air exchanges/hour with HEPA filters with multiple access points for providers to perform patient care without entering the unit while decreasing overall PPE usage. The goals of the design include patient safety, ease of use for, decreased infectious spread, and unit affordability.Method:A survey was obtained following a medical simulation within the ISTARI unit with Emergency Medicine resident physicians. The case involved an Ebola patient with Ventricular Tachycardia which progressed to cardiac arrest. Teams were given written and video instructions for the ISTARI unit and Ebola-level PPE. They were limited to one set of high-level PPE for the case. The survey scoring was a 0-5 scale, five being the highest.Results:Medical history-taking provider safety (PS)- 2.87, infection control (IC)-3.09, physical examination PS-3.52, IC-3.78, ultrasound usage PS-3.35, IC-3.43, intubation PS-2.35, IC-2.57, CPR PS-3.43, IC-3.65, cardioversion PS-3.35, IC-3.78, and overall average PS-3.145, IC-3.383.Limitations were noted compared with traditional care, but 100% of teams met critical actions for patient management, including intubation, cardioversion, and CPR. GloGerm showed no contamination to those providing care outside the unit, but a small amount of contamination after doffing for those who entered the unit.Conclusion:The ISTARI unit is a cost-effective isolation unit maximizing provider safety in management of patients with highly-infectious diseases, particularly in low-resource settings. It allows for easy mobilization of units and decreased medical supplies waste. The preliminary study shows satisfactory data about provider safety and infection control when using ISTARI for a highly-infectious patient, especially in providers unfamiliar with typical high-level PPE. Providers were able to provide all necessary critical actions for highly-infectious, critically-ill patients.

The Levels of Cholinesterase Enzyme and Hemoglobin in Linggasari Village’s Farmers

Farmers in Linggasari Village often mix pesticides, did not use pesticides that follow the dose, did not use PPE completely, eat, drink or smoke did not clean themselves after spraying. Some types of pesticides can reduce cholinesterase enzyme and hemoglobin levels. The study aimed to analyze the factors that correlated with cholinesterase enzyme and hemoglobin levels of spraying farmers. This was a cross-sectional study conducted from March to April 2022. The population of this study was all farmers who use pesticides, as many as 30 farmers qualify the inclusion criteria, namely male spraying farmers aged over 18 years, the maximum last contact time with pesticides was two months before the study was conducted. The independent variables were age, BMI, working period, frequency of spraying, duration of spraying, and PPE usage score. The dependent variables included cholinesterase and hemoglobin levels. Bivariate analysis was assessed with Pearson Correlation Test or Spearman Correlation Test, while multivariate analysis used linear regression. The results showed that age (p=0,032, r=0,391) and BMI (p=0,036, r= 0,385) correlated with cholinesterase enzyme, and age (p=0,000, r=0,615) correlated with farmers' hemoglobin levels. The results of multivariate analysis that the most influential factor on cholinesterase enzyme and hemoglobin levels was age.

Vaccine Acceptance, Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study among Dentists in Trinidad and Tobago.

This study's aim was to assess Trinidad and Tobago dentists' vaccine acceptance, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. All dentists registered with the Trinidad and Tobago Dental Association were invited to complete an online anonymous questionnaire between June and October 2021. A total of 46.2% of dentists responded. The majority of respondents had excellent knowledge of COVID-19 (94.8%), use of personal protective equipment (98.7%) and N95 masks (93.5%), but had poor knowledge about the reuse of N95 masks (27.5%). A total of 34.9% were comfortable providing emergency care to positive or suspected cases of COVID-19, and 64.5% were afraid of becoming infected from a patient. PPE usage was reported at 97.4% and 67.3% for N95 masks. All surfaces of waiting areas were disinfected every 2 h by 59.2%. A total of 90.8% agreed to be vaccinated straight away if a vaccine were made available. Dentists in Trinidad and Tobago have good levels of knowledge, attitude, practices regarding COVID-19. Dentists also have high levels of vaccine acceptance and can play a role in advocating for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Occupational Pesticide Exposure and Respiratory Effects among Mosquito Control Workers in Kota Bharu and Bachok, Kelantan

Pesticides have been widely used in public health to control mosquito breeding, causing occupational exposures. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pesticide exposure and respiratory health among 43 mosquito control workers in two vector control units in Kelantan by using purposive sampling. Pesticide risk assessment was based on the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA). A British Medical Research Questionnaire (BMRC) was used to assess respiratory symptoms and lung function was measured using a spirometer. The cumulative pesticide exposure of the individuals was calculated by taking the average number of fogging sessions per month. The risk level for all pesticides was moderate, except for Actellic 50EC. The most common respiratory symptoms were dyspnea (25.6%), cough (18.6%), phlegm (18.6%), and chest tightness (14.0%). Lung function was normal in 30%, restrictive in 45%, and obstructive in 25%. None of the reported respiratory symptoms and lung function values were associated with cumulative pesticide exposure (p>0.05). Past respiratory illness had a significant relationship with chest tightness (Adj OR=0.009, 95%CI: < 0.001 – 0.834). Age had a significant relationship with phlegm (Adj OR=1.259, 95% CI: 1.010 – 1.569). In conclusion, cumulative pesticide exposure did not relate to respiratory effects. However, mosquito control workers should be given proper training on pesticide handling and the effective usage of PPE to reduce occupational pesticide exposure.

Challenges Faced in Biomedical Waste Management by Waste Handlers amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) saw an overhaul in the biomedical waste management (BMWM) practices. Waste handlers were at the brunt of these changes. If the challenges pertaining to BMWM at the ground level are better understood, more effective measures to overcome them can be formulated. Objectives: 1. To identify myths and concerns regarding BMWM in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To explore the challenges faced in BMWM amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 3.To explore opportunities and future perspectives of BMWM. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted among 17 purposively selected Class IV health care workers during August to November 2021 in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai. Data was reported using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes - challenges and concerns faced by BMW handlers, enablers/ motivators, opportunities and future practices were generated from the transcripts. Various challenges faced by waste handlers were- difficulties in segregation and transport of BMW, exhaustion from PPE usage and fear of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 from work, stigma faced from public, and handling COVID-19 deaths. Support from family and colleagues, incentives and a positive change in public perception enabled them to work. Forming redressal committees, addressing job security concerns and timely provision of good quality equipment can improve hospital waste management measures in the future. Conclusion: It is of utmost importance to address challenges faced by waste handlers in BMWM. Onus should also be on periodic training in BMW

Eye injuries in badminton – players’ perspective toward the usage of personal protective equipment

ABSTRACT Objective We conducted a survey between April to September 2021 to understand the perspective of badminton players on the usage of personal protective equipment to avoid eye injuries. Methods The survey was conducted online. It was disseminated through various social media platforms and via e-mail. The survey was initially shared with university-level badminton players. Both recreational and professional players were included. They were further encouraged to circulate the survey questionnaire among their colleagues. Results In total, the survey received 372 responses. After removing possible duplicates and incomplete responses (n = 28), 92.5% (n = 344) of the responses were included in the final analysis. Among the 344 included responses, recreational and professional players accounted for 77.6% (n = 267) and 22.4% (n = 77), respectively. The mean age ± SD of the recreational and professional players were 24.1 ± 6.3 years (range 14–60 years) and 25.7 ± 6.0 years (range 14–61 years), respectively. A significant difference was noted for self-reported eye injuries between recreational and professional players while playing badminton (χ2 value = 5.321, p = 0.02). Among the recreational and professional players, 93.6% (n = 250) and 88.3% (n = 68) did not use protective eyewear while playing badminton. Professional players were at higher risk of eye injuries than recreational players (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1–7.8). Conclusion The majority of badminton players in both groups agreed that PPE usage would lower the risk of sustaining eye injuries; however, they are ambiguous about the usage of protective eyewear. In contrast, players with self-reported eye injuries were aware of its impacts and encouraged the usage of PPEs associated with badminton. Further studies are warranted to understand and educate badminton players about the causes and impacts of eye injuries in badminton.

DESCRIPTION OF PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIVIDUALS, USE OF PPE AND IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS IN BRATANG COMPOST HOUSES

Introduction: Compost house is one of the government's efforts to overcome the adverse effects of increasing the volume of waste; one of the large compost houses is the Bratang Compost House. One of the health risks faced by workers is irritant contact dermatitis. The purpose of this study was to individual characteristics and use of PPE with the incidence of irritant contact dermatitis in workers at the Bratang Compost House. Methods: The study was descriptive observational with a cross-sectional model. Calculation of RR values was used to see the characteristics of the relationship between the use of PPE and the incidence of irritant contact dermatitis in workers at the Bratang Compost House. Result: The results showed that there were 9 workers affected by irritant contact dermatitis and 6 workers who were not affected by irritant contact dermatitis. Most workers affected by irritant contact dermatitis were dominated by workers age less than 30 years old and have a service life of more than 5 years. The results of the calculation of RR values indicated that poor usage of PPE can increase the risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis. Conclusion: What needs to be done by workers is to increase awareness of the importance of occupational health and safety especially the usage of PPE. The thing that needs to be done by the manager of the compost house is to fix the physical environmental factors, conduct socialization of health risks in the workplace and provide PPE to improve the safety of workers.

Perceptions of Nursing Personnel Regarding Challenges in Usage of PPE during COVID 19 Pandemic

The rapid spread of COVID 19 outbreak has put a heavy burden on human society and is a great challenge for health care workers. The present study aims to assess the perceptions of nursing personnel regarding challenges in usage of PPE during COVID 19 pandemic and to find out the association between severity of physical symptoms and selected personal variables of nursing personnel. A quantitative approach with descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Web based self-administered questionnaire, rating scale and checklist were developed and distributed among study participants in the “Google forms”. A total of 134 participants were included in the study. Out of the 134 participants, 85(63.4%) nursing personnel were working in the government sector and 49(36.6%) of nursing personnel were working in the private sector. The top five challenges in the usage of PPE ranked based on self-reported data were; 1. difficulty to meet the basic needs such as food and fluids, 2. difficulty to meet elimination needs, 3. Unable to relax, 4. difficulty to meet hygienic needs and 5. disconnected with friends and family during working hours. Analysis of physical symptoms experienced by the nursing personnel showed that 41(30.6%) had mild symptoms, 54(40.3%) had moderate symptoms and 39(29.1%) had severe symptoms experienced owing to PPE usage. The most common physical symptoms reported by nurses were heat stress 124(92.5%), head ache 120(89.6%), exhaustion 117(87.3%) and dryness in throat (86.6%). There were no significant association between physical symptoms of nursing personnel and selected personal variables at 0.05 level of significance.

Telemedicine's Role in Pandemic Response and Control Measures

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has changed the conventional method of interacting with healthcare personnel. The rapid adaptation of telemedicine facilities has commuted alternative medical facilities in emergency circumstances. The physicians, nurses, and patients all are adopting telemedicine rapidly under this COVID-19 health system pressure. The reduction of PPE usage increases in video consultations is the positive result of using telemedicine. Nevertheless, front-liners also confront some challenges of using telemedicine including proper infrastructure facilities, lack of physical examination, patient's privacy, and proper diagnosis. Telemedicine-specific legislation must be implemented to ensure patient digital security and set appropriate prices for e-health treatment. These simple e-health technologies may allow infected COVID-19 patients to communicate with one another and acquire relevant health information more readily, resulting in a higher quality of life and better mental health.

Awareness and Practice Regarding Cross Infection Control Among Dental House Officers in a Tertiary Care Setting

Background: Dental care workers including dental assistant & doctors are at joint risk of receiving infection. Cross infection can be defined as “the spread of infection between staff members & patients in clinical setting.” Precautions should be adopted while treating or checking the patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 3 months duration was carried on dental house officers of Multan Medical and dental college Multan. 60 dental house officers willingly participated in our study. Universal sampling technique was utilized in order to collect the data. Informed consent was sign up from the partakers. Results: Out of sixty dental house officers, males were twenty seven while females were thirty three . 85% participants consider that dental clinics/hospitals are more predisposed to the infection/contamination than other medical fields. 73.3% partakers wash the hands regularly after providing the treatment to every patient. All the partakers reported that usage of PPE has a foremost part in the prevention of cross contamination. Majority of the partakers use gloves as well as facemask but goggles or protective eyewear, head caps & aprons were not in use by most of participants. Conclusion: Adequate awareness/knowledge but less satisfactory practice about infection control was reported. Knowledge acquired must also be transferred into everyday practice. Continuous infection control education through lectures/ tutorials or seminars must be organized. Cross-contamination control guidelines should also be established by dental colleges.

BIOSECURITY IN DENTISTRY: PROTOCOLS FOR HEALTHY RETURN OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGICAL PRACTICE AFTER THE PANDEMIC

<h3>Objectives</h3> The objective was to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the return to oral and maxillofacial surgical practices aimed at biosafety parameters. <h3>Study Design</h3> Literature review covering the beginning of the pandemic up to the present and tackling biosafety standards and protocols related to dental practices was conducted. <h3>Results</h3> Fifty-two bibliographic references were used stating considerations to be followed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In addition to limiting such practices to urgent and emergency procedures, it is of importance to adopt strict biosafety measures, PPE usage, and infection controlling via adequate team training of working professionals. Adoption of a logical sequence for building an effective barrier is important, particularly because SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted through respiratory droplets and/or body fluids and direct contact with infected blood and/or contaminated surfaces. Maintenance of such measures in surgical clinics becomes imperative to prevent the occurrence of cross contamination, and SOPs become essential for the correct for the proper use of PPE and the reduction of aerosols during activity. In addition, other tools, such as an initial teleconsultation for COVID-19 symptoms, can be launched. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Formulation of SOPs is aimed at a safer practice of clinical surgery for both the patient and the dental surgeon.