The impact of full personal protective equipment on HCW alertness [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impact of full personal protective equipment on healthcare worker alertness: a prospective study
IRAS ID
286330
Contact name
Santhana Kannan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
SANDWELL AND WEST BIRMINGHAM NHS TRUST
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Healthcare workers (HCW) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) wear personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising plastic aprons and gloves in their day to day work. COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in HCW having to wear Full Personal Protective Equipment (FPPE) even for routine patient care. FPPE typically consists of a respirator mask (N95, FFP2 or FFP3), visor, gloves and a gown. When worn for prolonged periods, FPPE has the potential to adversely affect the ability of HCW to carry out their tasks.\n\nThe condition of patients in ICU can change acutely, requiring prompt and appropriate response from HCW. Therefore, it is desirable to minimise factors which can hinder this response. It would also help to assess the degree to which these factors could impact upon the actions of the HCW. \n\nResearch on the impact of FPPE on functional ability of HCW has been limited. One study showed that HCW have reduced dexterity and impaired visibility when wearing PPE. Another showed that PPE increased the time taken to load medication and resulted in less amount being drawn up. The PPE used in those studies were different in design to ones currently used by our ICU staff. \n\nThis study will assess the impact of FPPE on HCW alertness in ICU. Two short psychometric tests will be administered with participants in and without FPPE. The testing duration will be ten minutes. Difference in scores will be assessed. The results should provide useful information to review maximum safe duration to work in FPPE, modification of environmental factors and working pattern. \n\nReferences\n1. Loibner M. Limiting factors for wearing PPE in health care environment. PLoS One. 2019; 14: e0210775.\n2. Castle N et al. Does wearing CBRN-PPE adversely affect the ability of clinicians to ... draw up drugs. Clinical Toxicology. 2010; 48; 522-527\n
REC name
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REC reference
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