Field evaluation of heat stress and thermal strain in healthcare staff
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Field evaluation of heat stress and thermal strain in healthcare workers in NHS settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
IRAS ID
290190
Contact name
Sarah Davey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Coventry University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic health care workers (HCWs) are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). The impermeable, encapsulating nature of some PPE impedes heat loss, which can increase the level of heat stress in HCW’s, even in cool environments. Heat stress increases the risk of heat-related disorders and is often associated with impaired mental processing (e.g. problem solving, decision making, remembering, learning) particularly in complex mental tasks; both of which are related to a decrease in productivity and workplace accidents in thermally stressful occupations. Alongside the continued use of PPE, the incidence of heat waves and the continued rise in global temperature compounds the possibility of HCWs experiencing heat stress. In addition, the PPE related discomfort experienced by HCWs has caused concern around adherence to both wearing PPE and the appropriate doffing procedures as it endangers infection control. To fully understand the potential risk of heat stress on HCWs, the aim of this study is to objectively measure the level of heat stress and resultant thermal strain (i.e. raised core body and skin temperature and heart rate) in male (n=12) and female (n=12) nurses required to wear either Type 1 (n=12) or Type 2 PPE (n=12) ensembles during one typical shift. Heat stress will be determined by measuring the environmental conditions the participants’ are exposed to (i.e. ambient temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation via wet-bulb globe temperature). Thermal strain will be assessed by monitoring participants’ core body temperature (via ingestible thermistor), skin temperature, heart rate and subjective measures of thermal comfort and physical effort. Hydration status will also be evaluated by measuring changes in participants’ body weight and total body water content before and after a shift. The times PPE is removed due to discomfort caused by overheating will be also be self-recorded. The assessment will take place within sites of the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0910
Date of REC Opinion
10 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion