Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Problems associated with usage of PPE Kits during COVID19 pandemic : Experience of Healthcare workers of a tertiary care center from Eastern India

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Dr. Arshad Ayub, Dr. Saket Kumar,Dr. Saket Kumar, C M Singh

Abstract

Background: Frontline healthcare workers play a critical role in the containment of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and as they are wearing personal protective equipment to minimize cross-transmission and acquire confidence in fighting the pandemic (PPE) they face health problems and discomfort as well because of long duty hours. Objectives : To explore the health issues associated with use of PPE among healthcare front liners and to find out the possible solutions for the identified problems. Methodology: A cross sectional observational study involving a group of medical staff was done using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire using google forms at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Results : Maximum people said that Goggles and gowns are the most uncomfortable part of the PPE and the problems/health conditions faced most frequently was fog in goggles/shield and feeling hot and suffocating. Females, Intern Doctors and those with indefinite/not fixed duty were mostly unsatisfied with the PPE that was given. Conclusion : To alleviate healthcare workers’ burnout and job pressures, effective strategies for increasing comfort at workplace is required. More training regarding donning /doffing and comfortable and adequate supply of PPE is needed in order to get uninterrupted and quality service from the healthcare workers.

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