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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://wslhd.intersearch.com.au/wslhdjspui/handle/1/9327
TitleUnderstanding routine (non-outbreak) respiratory protective equipment behaviour of hospital workers in different clinical settings - lessons for the future post-COVID-19
Authors: Barratt, R.;Gilbert, G. L.
WSLHD Author: Barratt, Ruth;Gilbert, Gwendolyn L.
Issue Date: 2023
Citation: Journal of Hospital Infection 136:118-124, 2023
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drawn attention to the importance of facial (respiratory and eye) protective equipment (FPE). Optimal use of FPE in non-outbreak situations will enable front-line staff, such as emergency department (ED) clinicians, to adapt more rapidly and safely to the increased demands and skills required during an infectious disease outbreak. METHODS: A survey, designed to determine the attitudes, beliefs and knowledge of healthcare workers around the use of FPE for protection against respiratory infections, was distributed to staff in a respiratory ward, an adult ED and a paediatric ED in Sydney, Australia prior to COVID-19. RESULTS: The survey revealed differences between the respiratory ward and the EDs, and between professional groups. ED staff, particularly paediatric clinicians, were less likely than ward staff to use FPE appropriately during routine care. Medical staff were more likely to work outside of infection prevention and control policies. DISCUSSION: The busy, relatively chaotic ED environment presents unique challenges for optimal compliance with safe use of FPE when caring for patients with respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Building upon the lessons of the pandemic, it is timely to address the specific infection prevention and control needs of the ED environment to improve compliance with the use of FPE during non-outbreak situations.
URI: https://wslhd.intersearch.com.au/wslhdjspui/handle/1/9327
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2023.04.003
Journal: Journal of Hospital Infection
Type: Journal Article
Facility: Westmead
Keywords: Covid-19
Personnel, Hospital
Disease Outbreaks
Health Personnel
Hospitals
Protective Devices
Emergency Service, Hospital
Personal Protective Equipment
Appears in Collections:Westmead Hospital 2019 - 2024

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