Knowledge of Handling the Personal protective equipment (PPE) by frontline Allied Health professionals in COVID-19 outbreak – A Web-based Survey Study

Ojha, Santosh; Debnath, Manna; Sharma, Dolly; Niraula, Anupam

Ever since the COVID-19 has emerged the number of affected individuals has been increasing exponentially. The frontline health workers are in constant risk due to the etiology and mode of transmission of the disease. Thus, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is very crucial during this pandemic. This study is to assess the knowledge regarding the handling of personal protective equipment among frontline allied health professionals who are directly in contact with COVID-19 patients. A standard questionnaire was prepared in Google forms and circulated within the network of healthcare workers via online platforms. A total of 143 frontline health workers participated in the questionnaire Survey. It was found that only 44.1% of the total participants had previously undergone training regarding the handling of PPE. About 86.0% of participants gave correct response to the safety etiquette questions. For another knowledge-based question about using the N95 respirator in conjunction with a Face shield, 86.7% of participants responded correctly. Only 67.8% of participants gave the right response to the question regarding the sequence of donning and doffing of PPE. The last question was regarding knowledge about the disposal of PPE, where 95.8% of PPE responded correctly. Despite the safety precautions and procedures set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for handling COVID-19 patients, the healthcare workers are still prone to occupational hazards. The only barrier standing between the healthcare workers and COVID-19 is the personal protective equipment. Thus, in-depth training and education should be imparted upon the healthcare workers in the present pandemic situation.