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Volume 8 Issue 4 (April, 2020)

Original Articles

Knowledge of PPE for Coronavirus Protection amongst Health Care Professionals- A Qualitative Research
Bhavan Chand Yemineni, Harikumar Kanakkath, Inayaat Virk, Sunil Kumar Gulia, Rishabh Shah, Mibin Monsy, Rahul Vinay Chandra Tiwari

Aim of the study: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the amount of knowledge the healthcare professionals- doctors, nurses, ASHA health workers etc. have regarding PPE and its importance in COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A questionnaire survey was conducted amongst variable health professionals like medical doctors, nurses and paramedical staff as well as ASHA healthcare workers. Total 200 people ha participated in this survey which consisted of 56 medical doctors, 68 nurses and paramedical staff and 76 ASHA health care workers. The questions were based on about personal protective equipment’s and the guidelines related to the same which have been issued by Ministry of health and family welfare, India. Results: Among all surveyed HCWs, 80% of respondents believed that use of appropriate PPE would prevent acquisition of COVID-19. Of all respondents, 82% medical professionals reported >80% adherence with recommended PPE. However, only 32% of ASHA workers, correctly identified the equipment that would provide adequate protection. Whereas only 36% of nurses and paramedical staff had knowledge about the frequency of changing the PPE. Conclusion: Critical care HCWs may be at a substantial risk of developing and/or transmitting nosocomial respiratory viral infection, and 77% of critical care practitioners believe they can improve their infection control practice. To have an appreciable impact on patient and provider safety, efforts to improve PPE adherence and effectiveness must address both organizational factors associated with safety climate and knowledge barriers among clinicians. Key words: Coronavirus, Personal protective equipment, safety, awareness.

 
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