Training on Correct Use of PPE
Training ensures that healthcare workers are knowledgeable and proficient in putting on and taking off PPE before caring for a patient. Comfort and proficiency when putting on and taking off are only achieved by repeatedly practicing correct use of PPE. Healthcare workers should be required to demonstrate competency in using PPE. This includes donning and doffing while being observed by a trained observer, before working with patients. Training should be tailored to the intended audience and effectively transmit the required information. In addition, during practice, healthcare workers and their trainers should assess proficiency and comfort with performing required duties while wearing PPE. People unwilling or unable to fulfill these requirements should not care for a patient.
The following elements are essential for PPE training:
- How to safely put on, adjust, use, and take off the specific PPE that the healthcare worker will use
- How to safely conduct routine clinical care
- Limitations of the PPE (e.g., duration of use, degree of protection)
- What to do in the case of an equipment failure or detection of a breach in PPE
- How to maintain PPE and appropriately dispose of it after use
- The possible physiological strain associated with using PPE, and how to recognize and report early signs and symptoms, such as fatigue
- Training must be interactive and should allow frontline healthcare workers to practice putting on, adjusting, using, and taking off the specific PPE that the employee will use
- Healthcare facilities should ensure that the trained employees understand the content of the training and can correctly perform the required tasks
- Healthcare facilities should also ensure that employees can demonstrate how to properly put on, use, and take off the same type/model PPE and respirators that they will use when caring for a patient
- Regular refresher training are essential to maintaining these skills