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. 2018 Feb;46(2):235-237.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.08.041. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

Difficulties in using personal protective equipment: Training experiences with the 2015 outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome in Korea

JaHyun Kang  1 , Eun Jin Kim  2 , Jeong Hwa Choi  3 , Hae Kyung Hong  4 , Si-Hyeon Han  5 , In Soon Choi  6 , Jae Geum Ryu  7 , Jinwha Kim  8 , Jae Yeun Kim  9 , Eun Suk Park  10
Affiliations

Difficulties in using personal protective equipment: Training experiences with the 2015 outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome in Korea

JaHyun Kang et al. Am J Infect Control. 2018 Feb.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate practical barriers to personal protective equipment (PPE) use found through health care personnel (HCP) training sessions held during and after the 2015 Middle East respiratory syndrome outbreak in Korea. Difficulties observed were ill-fitting sizes, anxiety, confusion from unstandardized protocols, doubts about PPE quality and effectiveness, and complexity of using several PPE items together. Further research to generate robust evidence and repeated HCP trainings are necessary to ensure HCP and patient safety in future outbreaks.

Keywords: Focus group interview; Health care personnel; Personal protective equipment.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
The level-D personal protective equipment set provided by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consists of a coverall (with an attached hood and no attached foot cover), N95 respirator, goggles, inner gloves, outer gloves, and shoe cover. This picture was taken and provided with permission by the infection control department at the Seoul National University Hospital.
Fig 2
Fig 2
A fishbone diagram presenting a comprehensive summary from the focus group interview.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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