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. 2023 Jan;23(1):24-30.
doi: 10.7861/clinmed.2021-0642.

UK CoPACK Study: knowledge and confidence of healthcare workers in using personal protective equipment and related anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

Salam T Ismael  1 , Gopikanthan Manoharan  1 , Andrew George  2 , Kahlan Al-Kaisi  3 , Sameera Abas  4 , Musab Al-Musabi  5 , Sheethal Prasad Rao  1 , Rohit Singh  6 , Nigel Kiely  6
Affiliations

UK CoPACK Study: knowledge and confidence of healthcare workers in using personal protective equipment and related anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

Salam T Ismael et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2023 Jan.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: COVID19; CoPACK; PPE; UK; anxiety; knowledge; pandemic.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Tested versus perceived personal protective equipment (PPE) knowledge among healthcare workers.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Self-perceived knowledge and level of confidence in personal protective equipment (PPE) effectiveness of healthcare workers (HCWs).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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