RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 UK CoPACK Study: knowledge and confidence of healthcare workers in using personal protective equipment and related anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic
JF Clinical Medicine
JO Clin Med
FD Royal College of Physicians
SP 24
OP 30
DO 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0642
VO 23
IS 1
A1 Salam T Ismael
A1 Gopikanthan Manoharan
A1 Andrew George
A1 Jan Herman Kuiper
A1 Kahlan Al-Kaisi
A1 Sameera Abas
A1 Musab Al-Musabi
A1 Sheethal Prasad Rao
A1 Rohit Singh
A1 Nigel Kiely
YR 2023
UL http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/23/1/24.abstract
AB Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control guidelines help limit transmission. However, poor confidence leads to higher levels of anxiety rates and infection. We assessed knowledge and confidence in PPE among HCWs and associated anxiety.Methods A cross-sectional, multi-centre survey using a validated questionnaire assessing actual and self-perceived knowledge on PPE was distributed among HCWs across the UK. Confidence in PPE and levels of anxiety were assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) tool.Results In total, 1,055 responses were received; 99% had familiarity with PPE guidance; however, only 15% correctly answered questions on PPE guidance; 86% and 80% had received mask-fitting and donning–doffing training, respectively; 33% indicated poor/very poor hospital communication. Confidence and anxiety were related to: profession; comorbidities; self-perceived knowledge; and PPE training and communication.Conclusion Confidence in PPE was poor and anxiety was related to inadequate information and training. Thus, improved communication is required for effective response to subsequent COVID-19 waves and similar pandemics.