What's the news. Personal protective equipment (PPE) has caused adverse events among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most frequent being headache, dry skin, and dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), says a study in the October 1, 2021, issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. The overall prevalence of PPE-related adverse events among healthcare workers was 78%, the authors say, and obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, preexisting headache, longer duration of shifts wearing PPE, increased consecutive days with PPE, and increased exposure to confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients were all factors related to an increased risk of PPE-related adverse events.

Why it matters. Extended or increased use of PPE has become commonplace among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers are at high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. PPE is vital to both worker and patient safety and its use is regulated by federal and state regulations.

How ECRI can help. The guidance article Personal Protective Equipment examines the types of occupational hazards likely to be present in healthcare facilities that would require the use of PPE. It identifies regulatory requirements and makes suggestions for regulatory compliance and risk reduction strategies.​