Evaluating Healthcare Worker Competence in the Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID Era: A Quality Improvement Project

Prokopenko, Max; Pissaridou, Maria Katerina; Risk, Omar; Khatkar, Harman

Introduction: Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance has rapidly evolved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) should use PPE correctly to reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission of the coronavirus. We predict a lack of training regarding correct PPE usage amongst HCWs and introduce a low-resource method of training. Methods: HCWs from various disciplines at a District General Hospital self-rated their ability in utilising PPE using uncontrolled pre- and post-session 16-item questionnaires following a single PPE training session. Participant responses were analysed using Student's t-test for independent (unpaired) samples. Results: Of 64 participants, 37 participants (59%) received any prior PPE training. Six participants (9%) previously received specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 PPE training. Survey scores were higher in the post-test than the pre-test group. Conclusion: This study highlights the lack of formal PPE training amongst HCWs and the need for establishing PPE training as part of the mandatory training of HCWs.