CURRENT PRACTICES OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN OPERATION THEATERS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Saira Mahboob; Tariq Mehmood; Amna Gulrez; Anum Sultan; Zeshan Nasir; Taimur Azam Khan

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v71i1.4626

Authors

Saira Mahboob Pakistan Naval Ship, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Tariq Mehmood Pakistan Naval Ship, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Amna Gulrez Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Anum Sultan National Hospital and Medical Center Lahore Pakistan
Zeshan Nasir Pakistan Naval Ship, Shifa Karachi Pakistan
Taimur Azam Khan 72 Medical Battalion Malakand Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v71i1.4626

Keywords:

Hand Hygiene, hand washm N-95 mask, Personal protective equipment, re-use, COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevailing practices regarding personal protective equipment in operation theaters.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Pakistan Naval Ship Shifa Hospital, Karachi, from May to Jun 2020.

Methodology: After the approval of the approval of the hospital ethical committee, 300 online forms were send. A total of 227 respondents returned the 22 questions survey forms. Data was collected and analyzed using online site www.surveyplanet.com.

Results: A total of 203 forms were included in our final analysis. Most 128 (63.1%) were males with 90 (44.3%)
common aged between 31-40 years and 168 (82.8%) working in tertiary care hospitals. One hundred and fifty
eight (77.8%) were routinely managing known Covid cases per-operatively. One hundred and seventy four
(85.7%) reported that personal protective equipment was being provided by the hospital administration; 55
(27.1%) have bought part of full protective equipment at their own expense; 72 (35.5%) re-using protective equipment; 167 (82.3%) being provided with N-95 masks and 120 (59.1%) re-using N-95 masks. One hundred and twenty one (59.6%) wearing level III protective gear during all surgeries. 192 (94.6%) respondents reported
maintaining hand hygiene after each patient. Only 65 (32%) taking shower at the hospital at the end of their shift.

Conclusion: Most of the operation theaters were providing protective equipment to their staff with nearly half reusing protective gear and N-95 masks.