Personal Protective Equipment in Health Workers during Coronavirus Disease-19 Outbreak
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2020.5621Keywords:
pandemic, masks, gloves, satisfaction, quality, availability, SARS-CoV-2, healthcareAbstract
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus (CoV) disease (COVID)-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on the healthcare systems worldwide.
AIM: The aim of the actual study was to assess the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) in health workers (HWs) during an outbreak.
METHODS: The study was conducted in April-May 2020 using an on-line questionnaire. Completed surveys were returned by 560 HWs (297 physicians, 79 nurses/technicians, 78 dentists, 9 pharmacists, and 97 other HWs).
RESULTS: High proportion of HWs was using one surgery mask for two or more times or not using it at all when contacting patients who were self-isolated (35.3%) or severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV)-2 positive (19.3%). More than 90% of participants were using surgery masks and gloves every time or almost every time while working with patients who were self-isolated or SARS-CoV-2 positive. High frequency of participants reported: No isolation zones at the workplace (61.2%), no triage of patients at the entrance (33.4%), and not attended a training course about the correct usage of PPE (72%).
CONCLUSION: The data obtained can be used in the creation of specific interventions in healthcare settings aimed at providing high-quality PPE through the development of a national healthcare strategy that can lead to the prevention of COVID-19 in HWs.
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Copyright (c) 2020 Dragan Mijakoski, Sasho Stoleski, Dragana Bislimovska, Elena Pazheska-Dimitrioski, Elizabeta Karasmanakis, Jordan Minov (Author); Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska
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