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The Impact of Community Generated PPE During the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic in Southeast Alabama and Gulfport Mississippi

Authors :
Benjamin Buttars
Leigh Fountain
Joseph Goodwin
Jessica McLean
John Olsen
Trey Hatton
William C. Grant
Audrey Vasauskas
Caleb Hamilton
Martin Clemmons
Source :
Frontiers in Health Services. 1
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Frontiers Media SA, 2021.

Abstract

Background: The early stages of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic left many hospital systems devoid of personal protective equipment. Community-driven groups manufactured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a form of temporary replacement until supply could increase to frontline healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to survey hospital systems in Alabama and Mississippi who requested and received PPE to determine recipient opinions concerning community involvement.Methods: A 15-question Qualtrics survey was distributed to hospital systems who requested and received community-generated PPE (CGPPE) from the group known as Alabama Fighting COVID. 275 responses were gathered over a period of 6 months.Results: Survey data showed that most respondents from healthcare and healthcare-associated professions responded that wearing community generated personal protective equipment provided them with the perception of added protection (55.31% of participants selected either “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”), and that it improved their outlook and desire to work during the pandemic (51.77% of participants selected either “Agree” or “Strongly Agree”).Conclusions: Most respondents reported that wearing community generated personal protective equipment not only provided them with the perception of added protection, but that it improved their outlook and desire to work during the pandemic. With these responses in mind, our study raises questions concerning whether local CGPPE distribution could improve well-ness outcomes of healthcare workers (HCWs) not only in relation to decreased viral transmission, but also in favorable psychosocial health assessments. Further implications for research concerning community involvement during future medical crises are indicated, especially with the current rise of the delta variant strain.

Details

ISSN :
28130146
Volume :
1
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Frontiers in Health Services
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........5bf75ec808cae82c6e6378f109abe7a5
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/frhs.2021.786062