Wear Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Endotracheal Intubation Using C-MAC Video Laryngoscope vs. Direct Laryngoscope While Wearing Personal Protective Equipment.

This study sought to determine whether the C-MAC video laryngoscope (VL) performed better than a direct laryngoscope (DL) when attempting endotracheal intubation (ETI) in the emergency department (ED) while wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). This was a retrospective single-center observational study conducted in an academic ED between February 2020 and March 2022. All emergency medical personnel who participated in any ETI procedure were required to wear PPE. The patients were divided into the C-MAC VL group and the DL group based on the device used during the first ETI attempt. The primary outcome measure was the first-pass success (FPS) rate. A multiple logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with FPS. Of the 756 eligible patients, 650 were assigned to the C-MAC group and 106 to the DL group. The overall FPS rate was 83.5% (n = 631/756). The C-MAC group had a significantly higher FPS rate than the DL group (85.7% vs. 69.8%, p < 0.001). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, C-MAC use was significantly associated with an increased FPS rate (adjusted odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.69–4.08; p < 0.001). In this study, we found that the FPS rate of ETI was significantly higher when the C-MAC VL was used than when a DL was used by emergency physicians constrained by cumbersome PPE.

Splash generation and droplet dispersal in a well-designed, centralized high-level disinfection unit

Sterile processing personnel routinely decontaminate medical devices that are heavily soiled with blood, tissue, and secretions. Contamination may spread throughout processing areas, potentially exposing personnel and patient-ready devices, especially when there is insufficient separation between the dirty and clean areas. This study aimed to identify activities that generate splash, determine how far droplets travel during manual cleaning, characterize the impact of practices on splash generation, and assess effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) at preventing splash exposure to technicians and visitors in the decontamination unit. Moisture-detection paper was affixed to PPE and environmental surfaces in a new processing department designed to optimize workflow and prevent cross-contamination. Droplet generation and dispersal were assessed during manual cleaning of a colonoscope and a transvaginal ultrasound probe. Splash was generated by most activities and droplets were detected up to 7.25 feet away. Transporting wet endoscopes dispersed droplets on a 15-foot path from the sink to the automated endoscope reprocessor. Extensive droplets were detected on PPE worn by technicians at the sink and observers 3-4 feet away. Manual cleaning of devices generated substantial splash, drenching technicians and the environment with droplets that traveled more than 7 feet. Engineering controls and better PPE are needed to reduce personnel exposure and risks associated with the potential dispersal of contaminated fluids throughout the facility.

Analisis Perilaku Kepatuhan Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) Pada Tenaga Kesehatan Saat Pandemi Covid-19 (Systematic Review)

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a device that people use to protect against people who have received a disease that can be spread through contact or by other people. PPE is needed for medical personnel in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the Covid-19 virus because during the Covid-19 pandemic, the risk of increasing cases in health workers is very high because they are in direct contact with patients who have contracted Covid-19 for treatment or who are quarantined. The use of non-standard personal protective equipment is one of the reasons why health workers get Covid-19 infections. This is intended for people who work in the distribution and management of PPE, public and individual health, public health management, and providing PPE information. Before making direct contact with patients infected with the Covid-19 virus, health workers must be required to wear PPE, but the availability of PPE is very limited because it is also used by patients and the community. This condition forces health workers to reduce the use of PPE by providing health services without removing PPE for a long time or by using homemade PPE. This is what motivates academics to conduct a literature review that evaluates the factors that influence the habit of using PPE for health workers. In this study, the method used is Observational Retrospective, specifically with a qualitative approach in Systematic Review to synthesize descriptive qualitative research results using the PRISMA (Preffered Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) method, which is carried out systematically by following the steps outlined below. good and right. To get reliable and accurate results from articles that are used as references, the authors search and select scientific publications from database sources (Literature review) using Google Scholar and the search term "Analysis of Compliance Behavior in the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Health Workers During the Covid Pandemic. -19." The data analysis used papers related to research issues, namely the examination of compliance behavior in the use of PPE in health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was then systematically researched by selecting 10 articles to be reviewed and included in the review process. After a literature search was carried out by entering keywords in Google Schoolar with keyword analysis of compliance behavior in the use of PPE in health workers during the Covid-19 pandemic from the 2019-2022 range, at least 1040 articles were obtained, but only 10 articles met the inclusion criteria after articles that were not suitable to be removed.

COVID-19 CPR-Impact of Personal Protective Equipment during a Simulated Cardiac Arrest in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Comparative Trial.

Background: Guidelines of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) recommend the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the resuscitation of COVID-19 patients. Data on the effects of PPE on rescuers’ stress level and quality of CPR are sparse and conflicting. This trial investigated the effects of PPE on team performance in simulated cardiac arrests. Methods: During the pandemic period, 198 teams (689 participants) performed CPR with PPE in simulated cardiac arrests (PPE group) and were compared with 423 (1451 participants) performing in identical scenarios in the pre-pandemic period (control group). Video recordings were used for data analysis. The primary endpoint was hands-on time. Secondary endpoints included a further performance of CPR and the perceived task load assessed by the NASA task-load index. Results: Hands-on times were lower in PPE teams than in the control group (86% (83–89) vs. 90% (87–93); difference 3, 95% CI for difference 3–4, p < 0.0001). Moreover, PPE teams made fewer change-overs and delayed defibrillation and administration of drugs. PPE teams perceived higher task loads (57 (44–67) vs. 63 (53–71); difference 6, 95% CI for difference 5–8, p < 0.0001) and scored higher in the domains physical and temporal demand, performance, and effort. Leadership allocation had no effect on primary and secondary endpoints. Conclusions: Having to wear PPE during CPR is an additional burden in an already demanding task. PPE is associated with an increase in perceived task load, lower hands-on times, fewer change-overs, and delays in defibrillation and the administration of drugs. (German study register number DRKS00023184).

Strategies in Preventing the Transmission of Covid-19 a Quarantine, Isolation, Lockdown, Tracing, Testing and Treatment (3T) : Literature review

SARS -Cov-2 is the seventh member of the coronavirus family that can infect humans after the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This disease first occurred in Wuhan, a province in Hubei China. The virus is endemic throughout the world and was categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). This virus can spread through direct contact, droplets due to coughing or sneezing, and even through air or airborne spreading according to the latest findings. The purpose of this literature review was to conduct a review about the government strategy of various countries in dealing with COVID-19. The method used was a search using PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest databases with the PICO search question development technique based on the " COVID-19" and "Pandemic" and "lockdown" keywords. The results of the literature search found five publications between the years 2010 to 2020 that provided, full text and open access, in addition the results of the literature review confirmed various efforts have been made by the governments in various countries considering the increasing number of sufferers. These could include social distancing and physical distancing, in which some countries even implemented lockdown to prevent the second waves of COVID-19, and specifically in Indonesia which implemented the large-scale social restrictions (LSSR). Based on this literature review findings. This virus can be prevented by regular hand washing, wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, avoid shaking hands and staying at home.

Influence of Different Protection States on the Mental Fatigue of Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BackgroundCOVID-19 has brought greater workload pressures to the medical field, such as medical staff being required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). While PPE can protect the safety of staff during the pandemic, it can also accelerate the accumulation of fatigue among operators.ObjectiveThis study explores the influence of different protection states on the mental fatigue of nurses.MethodsIn this study, 10 participants (5 males and 5 females) were randomly selected among applicants to monitor mental fatigue during the nurses’ daily work in four different PPE states (low temperature and low protection; low temperature and high protection; high temperature and low protection; high temperature and high protection). The NASA subjective mental fatigue scale was used for subjective evaluation. Reaction time, attention concentration, attention distribution, memory, and main task completion time were used for objective evaluation.ResultsThe results demonstrated a significant difference in the effects of different protection states on mental fatigue. The state of high temperature and high protection had the greatest influence on mental fatigue, the state of low temperature and low protection had the least, and states of high (low) temperature and low (high) protection had intermediate effects on mental fatigue. Furthermore, the correlation between the subjective and objective fatigue indices was analyzed using a multiple regression model.ConclusionThis study clarified the influence of different protection states on the mental fatigue of nurses, and verified that nurses require more time and energy to complete the same work as before under high protection states. It provides a basis for evaluating the mental fatigue of nurses in the unique period of the COVID-19 pandemic and specific ideas for optimizing the nursing process.

The study of the impact of the introduction of self-isolation and the mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment on oral hygiene

BACKGROUND: The availability of medical facilities, and as a result, the possibility of receiving medical care has decreased due to the announcement of quarantine in several countries. An untimely request for dental care entails a change in the CPI index (the sum of teeth on which caries, a filling or a tooth has been removed), resulting in partial or complete loss of teeth. The complete absence of teeth is accompanied by morphofunctional changes in all elements of the dental system, a significant decrease in chewing ability. Thus, the decrease in public attention to dental hygiene and treatment in dental clinics for examination and treatment negatively affected dental health.&#x0D; AIM: The aim is to assess the impact of the introduction of selfisolation and mandatory wearing of personal protective equipment on oral hygiene of students of higher educational institutions of Ryazan and the Ryazan region and foreign universities (universities).&#x0D; MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research materials were the results of a survey conducted among Russian students and students living outside the Russian Federation. A total of 397 students (English speakers mainly India, Egypt, Canada; French speakers mainly Morocco, Lebanon, Tunisia), who were divided into several study groups. In total, 397 students took part in our study (42% were girls, 58% were young people), 123 of them were Russian-speaking students, 120 English-speaking students and 154 French-speaking students.&#x0D; RESULTS: A comparative assessment of the results of the study showed a positive state of oral hygiene in the majority of respondents, and there was an increase in interest in the use of additional personal hygiene products of the oral cavity (chewing gum, irrigators, rinses, single-stick brushes, toothpicks, etc.).&#x0D; CONCLUSION: In general, oral hygiene, being an integral part of daily care, was not forgotten during self-isolation. Students regularly brushed their teeth, used additional means, but, as the study showed, students went to the dentist less often due to compliance with the self-isolation regime.

Potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among people handling linens used by COVID-19 patients before and after washing

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection when people handle linens is uncertain. We examined the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on linens, in the air, and on personal protective equipment (PPE) to assess potential infection risk among individuals who handle linens used by SARS-CoV-2-infected people. Patients in a hospital and an accommodation facility who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 participated in this study in 2020. Linen samples before washing or disinfection, rinse water after washing or disinfection, air in the workplace at the hospital and an accommodation facility, and the PPE worn by linen-handling people were tested for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and viable viruses. Among 700 samples from 13 SARS-CoV-2-infected participants and their surrounding environment, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected from 14% (52/362) of the linens used by COVID-19 patients (cycle threshold [Ct] value: 33–40). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected from 8% (2/26) of rinse water after washing or disinfection, from 15% (16/104) of air samples in the workspace, and from 10% (5/52) of gowns worn by linen-handling people, all with high Ct values (> 36). No SARS-CoV-2 was isolated from any samples. The potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from handling linens used by SARS-CoV-2-infected people exists but appears to below.

Risk of self-contamination because of improper doffing of personal protective equipment: A randomised cross-over study.

Many health care staff have been pressed into coronavirus disease-19 patient care with little experience of working in bio-hazard zones because of the overwhelming requirements of manpower. They wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all rules for their safety. However, despite precautions, during doffing, they carry a risk of self-contamination. This randomised cross-over study assessed the risk of self- contamination because of improper doffing of PPEs. A colourless lotion that glows with a bright-green fluorescent hue under ultraviolet light was applied to simulate germ contamination in various health care workers (HCWs) who volunteered for the study. The primary objective of this study was to know the percentage of HCWs getting self-contaminated. The secondary objectives were to assess which portions of the body get maximally contaminated and infestation of germs on which portions of the PPE carry more risk of self-contaminating after doffing. A total of 152 doffings by 76 participants were analysed, and the volunteers self-contaminated in 43 doffings (28.28%). In 18 of these 43 doffings, self-contamination was noted at more than one location. The most commonly contaminated areas were the arms (33%), clothes on the abdomen (24%), and areas in the lower limb (23%). Germ infestation on the upper parts of a PPE is 2.39 times more likely to cause self-contamination after improper doffing. Faulty doffing resulted in self-contamination in 28.28% of all doffings. Risk is 2.39 times more when germs are nested in the upper body portions of the PPE suit.

Awareness of Personal Protective Equipment Among Frontline Postgraduate Medical Residents who Provide Care to Patients with Coronavirus Disease-2019

Background: To combat the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which affected the entire world, health-care workers (HCWs) were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE offers protection by preventing microorganisms from contaminating hands, eyes, clothing, hair, and shoes. It is mandatory to know about the proper usage of PPE. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the awareness of PPE and its effects on frontline health-care professionals who provide care to patients with COVID-19. Subjects and Methods: This noninterventional cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in 108 postgraduate (PG) medical residents who have been treated and provided care for COVID-19 in a tertiary care hospital. The Google questionnaire consisted of 25 questions prevalidated through the literature, senior faculty in the department, and ethics. Results: About 87.03% of the 108 PGs were trained in the donning and doffing protocols, whereas 92.59% were aware of the steps. About 62.96% did not follow the two-person protocol for doffing. About 83.33% were aware of the decontamination protocol of PPE. About 64.81% had difficulty intubating and 62.96% had headaches after using PPE. Conclusions: HCWs in a tertiary care center are aware of PPE use and protocols therein. Even though they were adequately trained about protocols, reluctance, and technical difficulties in following them still exist, which can be solved by adequate and repeated training. The problems faced with the use of PPE have appropriate solutions.

EVALUATING COMPLIANCE OF CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY RULES AS A COMPLIMENTARY TOOL TO PROJECT COMPLETION WITHIN BUDGET LIMIT

The Systematic flow process necessary for a successful delivery of building project requires the collective wisdom of the construction team. Thus making construction site a very busy and dangerous place to work in due to the manifold of work items going on simultaneously. Owing to the risk inherent in construction sites, this study focuses on the evaluation of compliance to safety rules on construction sites that can serve as complementary tools in completing a building project within the budget. A project that is not completed on or within the budget limit is an indication of poor quality administration of construction process. The study adopts the focus group techniques to observe that inadequate safety protocols can increase insurance costs as a result of worker’s compensation claims and law suits due to construction site accidents. The following were among the very quality result oriented construction sites safety rules. Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like the Hi-vis Vest, ear muffs and hard hats at all times, keeping a tidy site and prompt report of defective equipment. Not only does safety on construction sites protect workers, it also keeps the public safe and consequently helps to maintain the construction cost within approved limit.

FACTORS RELATED TO USE OF PPE IN HEALTH WORKERS OF THE IGD UNIT AT RSUD CUT NYAK DHIEN MEULABOH

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a set of safety equipment used by workers to protect all or part of their body from the possibility of potential accidents and occupational diseases. Based on the results of a survey obtained by researchers in the field, there is data from 2020-2021, there are 52 nosocomial infection events recorded. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship in the categories of knowledge, attitudes and compliance with the use of PPE in health workers in the IGD Unit of Cut Nyak Dhien Meulaboh Hospital. This type of research is quantitative research using cross sectional. The sample of this study used the accidental sampling method, where the researcher took a sample that happened to be found at that time amounting to 50 respondents. The results showed that there was a relationship between compliance variables (Pvalue = 0.040 and OR 0.126) with the use of PPE. However, there is no relationship of knowledge variables (Pvalue = 1.000 and OR 0.584) and attitude (Pvalue = 1.000 and OR 0.926) with the use of PPE. The conclusion of this study based on the chi-square test is that there is a relationship of compliance with the use of PPE and there is no relationship of knowledge, attitude towards the use of PPE. It is recommended to the hospital's K3 management to be able to better supervise health workers when performing medical actions to patients so that there are no health workers who do not wear PPE.

Fostering Nursing Staff Competence in Personal Protective Equipment Education during COVID-19: A Mobile-Video Online Learning Approach.

Nursing staff who are competent to use personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly can protect themselves while providing safe, high-quality care to patients. Under pandemic conditions, the ability to wear PPE correctly is essential in clinical practice, but the acquisition of correct PPE-wearing procedures is difficult for most staff in the absence of live practice drills. This study aimed to test the mobile video online learning approach by integrating PPE contexts into a digital learning system. We conducted an experiment to verify whether the mobile video online learning approach could effectively improve nursing staff’s learning achievement, learning anxiety, critical thinking skills, and learning self-efficacy. The study used a quasi-experimental design and was conducted with 47 nursing staff, divided into one group using a mobile video online learning approach and one group with a conventional learning approach. We used pre-and post-test examinations of learning achievements, learning anxiety, critical thinking, and learning self-efficacy. Results showed a significant effect of using the mobile video online learning method in helping nursing staff to decrease learning anxiety and improve knowledge about COVID-19 protection, increase learning achievement, critical thinking skills, and learning self-efficacy. These benefits are of interest to nursing workplace managers wishing to maintain professional standards during epidemics by improving the nursing staff’s PPE knowledge and self-efficacy concerning PPE.

Adverse effects of personnel protective equipment among first line COVID-19 healthcare professionals: A survey in Southern Tunisia.

BackgroundHealth care professionals (HCP) were obliged to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during pandemic in order to minimize the risk of transmission of the emerging virus. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of adverse effects related to the wear of PPE among HCP and to determinate their predictive factors.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study including a representative sample of 300 randomized HCP at Hedi Chaker University Hospital Sfax, Tunisia, during the period August-September 2021. Data collection was carried out by an anonymous self-administered questionnaire.ResultsPPE related adverse effects were noted among 87 HCP with a prevalence of 57.2%. Multivariate analysis showed that factors independently associated with PPE adverse effects were female gender (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.8; p = 0.048), chronic diseases (AOR = 0.29; p = 0.001) and previous infection with COVID-19 (AOR = 0.46; p = 0.004). Frequent use of bleach or other disinfection product without protection and use of hot water at work were independently associated with a high risk of adverse effects ((AOR = 2.22; p = 0.003) and (AOR = 2.83; p = 0.005), respectively). Similarly, a duration of use of PPE>4 h per day (AOR = 1.98; p = 0.039), as well as use of visors and/or glasses (AOR = 1.84; p = 0.045) were independently associated with PPE related adverse effects.ConclusionThe prevalence of adverse effects related to the wear of PPE was alarmingly high among HCP. Multiple risk factors were highlighted, notably professional aspects. Adequate and repetitive training for caregivers on the correct use of PPE remain essential to manage this problem.

Effects of Long-Duration Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment with N95 Masks on Blood Oxygen Concentration and Pulse Rate Among Dental Professionals

Background: The importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health-care professionals working in an infective environment has been highlighted again in this COVID pandemic. CDC recommends the use of PPE with FFp2/N95 wear in dental health professionals. There are studies revealing the varied physiological as well as psychological impact of long-duration wear of PPE in health professionals. This study aims to evaluate the effects of wearing PPE with N95 mask before donning and after doffing (for 4 h) on the oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate. Materials and Methods: Forty dental surgeons of both sexes with informed consent working at a government dental college, in Kerala, were studied by a standard pulse oximetry test for oxygen saturation and pulse rate before donning and after doffing of PPE with FFP2/N95 respirator over 4 h duration. They were ensured to be hemodynamically stable, breathing room air under standard room temperature, and humidity. Data were entered and evaluated using a standard paired t-test using SPSS version 20. Results: The mean age group of the dental surgeons was 39 ± 9 years, and 60% were male. The mean values of oxygen saturation before donning and after doffing were 97.6 (1.1) and 96.7 (1.2), respectively, and the difference was significant (P &lt; 0.01). The pulse rate before donning and after doffing was found to be 79.7 (6.7) and 81.2 (6.7), respectively, with significance (P &lt; 0.01). However, the difference was not significant according to gender or age groups. Conclusion: The decrease in oxygen saturation and an increase in heart rate among dental surgeons were found to be significant after 4 h wear of PPE with FFP2 respirator. Nevertheless, these data of physiological impact of PPE cannot overshadow the risk-benefit ratio of PPE wear. The cautious use of PPE with improved technology can mitigate the risks involved in its use.

Integration of Computer Aided Design and Engineering (CAD/E) Principles for Development of a Face Shield Concept to Protect against the COVID-19 Virus

The COVID-19 pandemic has exponentially developed over the past two years into the most prominent crisis that humanity has encountered regarding the stark danger posed to the health and well-being of the everyday citizen. As such, a multitude of safety measures have both been mandated and heavily advised by the governments of the world in a desperate attempt to reduce infection and mortality rates. No method has been more strongly encouraged than the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) when coming into human contact, by virtue of the adornment of face masks and face shields. This paper investigates the integration of computer-aided design and engineering (CAD/E) principles for the development of a face shield concept to protect against the COVID-19 virus. The study was orchestrated through the use of the SolidWorks software in generating CAD concepts, employment of the SolidWorks Sustainability tool to evaluate the most viable concept’s lifecycle environmental effects, and the subsequent material redesign of this concept within the sustainability tool to reduce its adverse inflictions on nature. Due to the exceedingly high number of persons using face shields in today’s society to protect against this virus, waste levels upon disposal are equally immense. This paper is to describe the development of the CAD/E concept through the major avenues of sustainability and environmental conservation, and provides an opportunity for sanitation and engineering companies alike to explore a niche in this increasingly expanding market.

전력량계 작업 시 아크플래시 재해 경감방안 연구

About 23 million electronic Watt-hour meters are installed in Korea, and more than 2 million meters are newly installed or replaced every year. Usually, the work is performed on live line and sometimes injuries are occurred due to arc flash by improper behavior or misconnection. In Korea, Watt-hour meter workers are advised to wear personal protective equipment(PPE) level 1, but it is not reviewed well whether they can sufficiently prevent injury caused by arc flash under the guideline. In this paper, we calculate the arc flash energy according to the IEEE 1584 standard that may occur in an actual Watt-hour meter working environment and review the required PPE level by the NFPA 70E for injury prevention. In addition, an economical arc energy reduction solution is proposed instead of wearing a higher PPE level equipment. The effectiveness of the solution is verified through field experiments.

Experimental investigation of the effects of personal protective equipment on thermal comfort in hot environments

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) has become increasingly common, especially for healthcare workers performing nucleic acid sample collection. A field experiment and questionnaire survey were conducted in a semi-open transition space of a university building in Guangzhou, southern China. Thirty-two subjects wore PPE to simulate nucleic acid sample collection, during which thermal parameters were recorded and subjective questionnaires were completed. The relationship between thermal sensation and thermal index was analyzed to determine the neutral temperature and comfort temperature zones. Subjects had higher requirements for thermal environment parameters when wearing PPE than when not wearing PPE, and were found to have statistically significant differences in thermal perception when wearing and not wearing PPE. Wearing PPE significantly raised the subjects' thermal and humidity sensations and restricted their airflow. Wearing PPE resulted in thermal discomfort for the subjects and a high unacceptability rate for environmental thermal parameters. The subjects wore PPE for an acceptable duration of approximately 1.5 h. The neutral operative temperatures were significantly lower when wearing PPE than when not wearing PPE, and the deviation from the neutral temperature was 9.7 °C. The neutral operative temperature was 19.5 °C and the comfort temperature zone was 17.4–21.5 °C when subjects wore PPE, demonstrating that subjects who wore PPE preferred lower temperatures. These results suggest that people who wear PPE for work, especially outdoors, should receive more attention to ensure thermal comfort and safety.

Personal protective equipment-related dermatoses in COVID-19 frontline health workers. A lesson learned from 1-year single center in the UAE.

Since COVID‐19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, frontline health care workers wear personal protective equipment (PPE, surgical masks, N95 or similar respirators, gloves, goggles, face shields, and gowns). Alcohol‐based sanitizers and wipes were recommended. Such measures lead to disruption of the natural skin habitat and skin barrier and various cutaneous reactions. The aim was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of PPE‐related dermatoses among health care workers in Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), a COVID‐19 facility, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. We conducted a voluntary, cross‐sectional anonymous survey among first‐line health care workers addressing types of PPE used, dermatoses classified as PPE related, and factors that influence them. Facial, nasal, and hand dermatoses were the most prevalent with 40.2%, 19.9%, and 14.1%, respectively. The changes are primarily attributed to surgical masks, N‐95 masks, and gloves. The shift duration is a contributing factor correlating with the severity of skin damage. Results of this study encouraged decision makers to recognize PPE‐related dermatoses as a continuously growing burden, reorganized the shift duration and PPE exposure, animated the personal to apply preventive measures, and promoted the well‐being of medical professionals in new waves of the pandemic.

Occupational Dermatoses in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

On the 11th March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic. Preventive measures such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment and proper hand hygiene are essential in decreasing transmissibility. Healthcare workers have been required to wear personal protective equipment and to wash their hands even more frequently. These preventive measures are associated with an increased risk of skin conditions, namely, contact dermatitis and exacerbation of pre-existing skin lesions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the main skin lesions, and highlighting the role in occupational dermatology and preventive measures. A search was conducted on PubMed and some guidelines from organizations like World Health Organization and Portuguese General Directorate of Health were included. Most skin conditions seen in healthcare professionals throughout the pandemic were associated with hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment and comprised hand eczema, mask-induced contact dermatitis, personal protective equipment related irritant contact dermatitis, cheilitis and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis. Prevention and early recognition of dermatitis associated with personal protective equipment and hand hygiene are essential to maximize work performance, healthcare workers' safety and the adherence to preventive measures. Protection of healthcare workers' health and safety is an essential measure in the fight against the pandemic. Occupational Health has a fundamental role, acting in terms of disease prevention and health promotion, for example, through educational sessions and orientation of skin conditions associated with work, thus maximizing workers' well-being.