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Personal Protective Equipment Management and Policies: European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases Data from 48 Isolation Facilities in 16 European Countries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Giuseppina De Iaco ,
Vincenzo Puro ,
Francesco Maria Fusco ,
Stefan Schilling ,
Helena C. Maltezou ,
Philippe Brouqui ,
René Gottschalk ,
Barbara Bannister ,
Hans-Reinhard Brodt  and
Heli Siikamaki
...Show all authors
Giuseppina De Iaco*
Affiliation:
National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani, ” Rome, Italy
Vincenzo Puro
Affiliation:
National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani, ” Rome, Italy
Francesco Maria Fusco
Affiliation:
National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani, ” Rome, Italy
Stefan Schilling
Affiliation:
Department for Infectious Diseases, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
Helena C. Maltezou
Affiliation:
Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece
Philippe Brouqui
Affiliation:
Research Unit on Emerging Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Marseilles, France
René Gottschalk
Affiliation:
Department of Health, Frankfurt, Germany
Barbara Bannister
Affiliation:
Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
Hans-Reinhard Brodt
Affiliation:
Department for Infectious Diseases, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
Heli Siikamaki
Affiliation:
Aurora Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
Christian Perronne
Affiliation:
Raymond Poincaré University Hospital, Paris, France
Arne Broch Brantsæter
Affiliation:
Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Anne Lise Fjellet
Affiliation:
Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Giuseppe Ippolito
Affiliation:
National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani, ” Rome, Italy
European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases Working Group
Affiliation:
Additional members of the European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases Working Group are listed at the end of the text
*
Via Giulio Petroni 104/M/59, 70124, Bari, Italy (giusideiaco@gmail.com)
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Abstract

Objective.

To collect data about personal protective equipment (PPE) management and to provide indications for improving PPE policies in Europe.

Design.

Descriptive, cross-sectional survey.

Setting and Participants.

Data were collected in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries nominated by National Health Authorities for the management of highly infectious diseases (HIDs).

Methods.

Data were collected through standardized checklists at on-site visits during February-November 2009. Indications for adequate PPE policies were developed on the basis of a literature review, partners' expert opinions, and the collected data.

Results.

All facilities have procedures for the selection of PPE in case of HID, and 44 have procedures for the removal of PPE. In 40 facilities, different levels of PPE are used according to a risk assessment process, and in 8 facilities, high-level PPE (eg, positive-pressure complete suits or Trexler units) is always used. A fit test is performed at 25 of the 40 facilities at which it is applicable, a seal check is recommended at 25, and both procedures are used at 17. Strategies for promoting and monitoring the correct use of PPE are available at 42 facilities. In case of a sudden increase in demand, 44 facilities have procedures for rapid supply of PPE, whereas 14 facilities have procedures for decontamination and reuse of some PPE.

Conclusions.

Most isolation facilities devote an acceptable level of attention to PPE selection and removal, strategies for the promotion of the correct use of PPE, and ensuring adequate supplies of PPE. Fit test and seal check procedures are still not widely practiced. Moreover, policies vary widely between and within European countries, and the development of common practice procedures is advisable.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2012;33(10):1008-1016

Type
Original Article
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 33 , Issue 10 , October 2012 , pp. 1008 - 1016
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2012

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