Saf Health Work.  2019 Jun;10(2):166-171. 10.1016/j.shaw.2018.10.001.

Personal Protective Equipment Availability and Utilization Among Interventionalists

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Community Health, University of the Free State, South Africa. andrerose2000@yahoo.com
  • 2Medical Radiation Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia.

Abstract


OBJECTIVE
This study explored personal protective equipment (PPE) availability and PPE utilization among interventionalists in the catheterization laboratory, which is a highly contextualized workplace.
METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study using mixed methods. Participants (108) completed a survey. A hyperlink was sent to the participants, or they were asked to complete a paper-based survey. Purposively selected participants (54) were selected for individual (30) or group (six) interviews. The interviews were conducted at conferences, or appointments were made to see the participants. Logistic regression analysis was performed. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS
Lead glasses were consistently used 10.2% and never used 61.1% of the time. All forms of PPE were inconsistently used by 92.6% of participants. Women were 4.3 times more likely to report that PPE was not available. PPE compliance was related to fit and availability.
CONCLUSIONS
PPE use was inconsistent and not always available. Improving the culture of radiation protection in catheterization laboratories is essential to improve PPE compliance with the aim of protecting patients and operators. This culture of radiation protection must include all those involved including the users of PPE and the administrators and managers who are responsible for supplying sufficient, appropriate, fitting PPE for all workers requiring such protection.

Keyword

Gender parity in the workplace; PPE availability; PPE utilization; Quality of care

MeSH Terms

Administrative Personnel
Appointments and Schedules
Catheterization
Catheters
Compliance
Congresses as Topic
Cross-Sectional Studies
Eyeglasses
Female
Glass
Humans
Logistic Models
Personal Protective Equipment*
Radiation Protection
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