Personal Protective Equipment

- Introduction

1.1.1 Personal Protective Equipment is of critical importance in infection prevention and control (IPC), serving as a primary defense against the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare and other high-risk settings. PPE acts as a physical barrier that reduces direct contact with infectious microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens, which can spread through airborne, droplet, or contact routes. The use of PPE is essential to safeguarding healthcare workers, patients, and the public from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and other infectious diseases.
1.1.2 PPE used in infection prevention protect specific body areas from infectious fluids, aerosols, or contaminated surfaces. Its correct usage is essential to prevent HAIs, which remain a major challenge in medical settings, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher patient morbidity and mortality.
1.1.3 The importance of PPE in infection prevention and control was starkly highlighted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, where widespread use of PPE such as N95 respirators, surgical masks, and protective gowns was essential in preventing the spread of the virus among healthcare professionals and the public. During such outbreaks, the correct selection, use, and disposal of PPE become paramount to controlling infection transmission.
1.1.4 The effectiveness of PPE in infection control depends not only on the quality and design of the equipment but also on adherence to strict protocols regarding donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off), which minimize the risk of self-contamination. Equally important is training healthcare personnel in the proper use of PPE, as improper use or inconsistent application can lead to increased exposure to pathogens.