How many hours can a clinician wear PPE?

Grant number: unknown

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Key facts

  • Disease

    COVID-19
  • Funder

    RBWH Foundation
  • Principal Investigator

    N/A

  • Research Location

    Australia
  • Lead Research Institution

    N/A
  • Research Priority Alignment

    N/A
  • Research Category

    Infection prevention and control

  • Research Subcategory

    Barriers, PPE, environmental, animal and vector control measures

  • Special Interest Tags

    N/A

  • Study Type

    Clinical

  • Clinical Trial Details

    Not applicable

  • Broad Policy Alignment

    Pending

  • Age Group

    Adults (18 and older)

  • Vulnerable Population

    Unspecified

  • Occupations of Interest

    Health Personnel

Abstract

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted on healthcare provision in emergency departments across the globe. Infection control measures are of paramount importance in our response to the pandemic. Precautions include isolation of patients with respiratory symptoms and methodical use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Patients are treated in a high-risk zone (HRZ) within the Emergency Department, with entry restricted to essential doctors and nurses, donned in personal protective equipment (PPE), who typically work 5-10 hour shifts. PPE consists of level 4 or 5: gown, gloves, mask and protective eyewear. It traps body heat generated by physical activity, adding to cognitive and physical fatigue, and potential lapses in infection control precautions. Rationalising PPE use has led to clinicians working prolonged periods in PPE, with many taking less breaks than they would outside the HRZ. This study will investigate the cognitive and physiological effects of wearing PPE for prolonged periods, and provide guidance as to the time a clinician can safely work in HRZ in one continuous shift. Recommendations will also be made for future Pandemic Plans so as to improve emergency healthcare beyond COVID-19.