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Characteristics of personal protective equipment training programs in Australia and New Zealand hospitals: A survey

Characteristics of personal protective equipment training programs in Australia and New Zealand hospitals: A survey

Authors :
Gwendolyn L. Gilbert
Ramon Z. Shaban
Ruth Barratt
Source :
Infection, Disease & Health
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control. Published by Elsevier B.V., 2020.

Abstract

Background Using personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of several fundamental measures to prevent the transmission of infection and infectious diseases and is particularly pertinent in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate use of PPE by healthcare workers is, however, often suboptimal. Training and monitoring of PPE competency are essential components of an infection prevention and control program but there is a paucity of research and data on the content of such training programs across Australasia. This paper reports the results of a survey that characterised the nature of PPE training in Australian and New Zealand hospitals. Methods A population-based online survey was distributed to members of three major Australasian colleges representing infection prevention and control. Results Results indicate that, although training is frequently provided at orientation, many healthcare workers do not receive regular updates. Training programmes combine online and classroom sessions, but over a third do not include a practical component. The frequency of monitoring PPE competency is variable with one third of respondents indicating that no auditing occurs. PPE items used for high-level training are variable, with use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) uncommon. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that HCWs’ confidence, competence and familiarity with PPE are a concern, which in the context of the current global COVID-19 pandemic is problematic. More research is needed into how PPE training programs could be better designed, to prepare HCWs for practice using PPE safely and confidently.<br />Highlights • Most HCW orientation programmes include PPE training but fewer than half are updated annually. • One third of PPE programmes do not include a practical component. • Only two thirds of PPE training programmes monitor PPE compliance. • Future research should consider the design of PPE training programs to optimise HCW PPE practice.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
24680869 and 24680451
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Infection, Disease & Health
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....1a350f4694875342649f50cdeb76c411