Healthcare worker perception of a global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and personal protective equipment: Survey of a pediatric tertiary-care hospital

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to capture perspectives of healthcare workers (HCWs) on COVID-19 and infection prevention and control (IPAC) measures implemented during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional survey of HCWs was conducted. Participants: HCWs from the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. Intervention: A self-administered survey was distributed to HCWs. We analyzed factors influencing HCWs’ knowledge and self-reported use of personal protective equipment (PPE), concerns of contracting COVID-19 and acceptance of the recommended IPAC precautions for COVID-19. Results: A total of 175 HCWs (35 (20%) staff physicians, 24 (14%) residents or fellows, 72 (41%) nurses, 14 (8%) respiratory therapists, 14 (8%) administration staff and 14 (8%) other employees) completed the survey between March 6th and March 10th. Most of the respondents were from the emergency department (n=58; 33%) and the Intensive Care Unit (n=58; 33%). Eighty-six respondents (50%) identified the correct donning order. Only 60 (35%) identified the correct doffing order, but the majority (n=113, 70%) indicated the need to wash their hands immediately prior to removal of their mask and eye protection. Ninety-one (54%) respondents felt comfortable with recommendations for droplet/contact precautions for routine care of patients with COVID-19. HCWs’ occupation and concerns about contracting COVID-19 outside of work were associated with non-acceptance of the recommendation (p = 0.016 and p=0.036 respectively). Conclusion: As part of their pandemic response plans, healthcare institutions should have ongoing trainings for HCWs that focus on appropriate PPE doffing and discussions around modes of transmission of COVID-19.

Investigating the Effective Factors of Using Personal Protective Equipment from the Perspective of Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Organizational factors also affected nurses' attitudes toward PPE to some degree. Healthcare organizations should consider continuously training their personnel to use PPE as a part of their COVID-19 pandemic response programs [26]. Furthermore, Delgado et al showed that supporting HCWs should be among the strategic priorities of healthcare systems during this pandemic [27].…”

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of face mask utilization and associated factors in COVID-19 pandemic among Wachemo University Students, Southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

“…The World Health Organization has recommended that healthy persons wear masks indoors and outdoors for all students, employees, and tourists, with valid medical exemptions, when two meters of social distance cannot be maintained, since June 2020. In situations when physical isolation is problematic, non-medical masks are used to track the transmission of COVID-19 [ 3 , 11 , 12 ]. Many schools and universities require students to wear masks in public places and when they are within six feet of others [ 13 ].…”

Differential perceptions regarding personal protective equipment use during the COVID-19 pandemic by NHS healthcare professionals based on ethnicity, sex and professional experience

“…Moreover, additional debate remains regarding the relative importance of the initial viral load of SARS-CoV-2 infection in later risk of severe COVID-19; however, should viral load be an important factor, higher effectiveness and use of PPE is likely to lower the viral load exposure of healthcare workers in the event of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the healthcare workplace [ 17 ]. Existing research suggests that provision of PPE alone is not sufficient, but adequate training and instructions are vital [ 18 ], this training provision has a direct impact on perceptions of staff using the PPE [ 19 ]. Importantly, in the UK, a national survey of junior doctors reported that women and those of BAME/mixed ethnicity were less likely to report that they have received sufficient information and training [ 20 ].…”