Topic > The Importance of PPE - 1146

Gloves are considered the most compliant of all PPE, but when using a full face mask, gown, gloves, and other forms of PPE at the same time, patient and visitors have often asked me, "Why are you wearing all that stuff?" It is important that patients and visitors understand the purpose of implementing PPE to increase the chances of PPE compliance. Negative opinions and attitudes towards PPE are often found. For the patient and their visitors, this can have a psychological impact because they believe their condition is worsening and they are perceived as contagious. I have also observed that patient visitors do not respect PPE and may think they are exempt because they are not healthcare workers. I think they don't understand that they should respect PPE too. Healthcare workers often have a negative view of PPE because it can often affect the ability to do work, such as palpating a vein to insert an IV. Despite the negativity surrounding proper PPE, there are also positive attitudes regarding its compliance. Wearing the right PPE allows healthcare workers to do their jobs while protecting themselves and the patient. Because healthcare workers go to different rooms during their shifts, they ultimately avoid exposing others to infectious diseases, which can prevent future infections and save lives. It's important to remember that PPE exists for a reason: if it wasn't proven to be effective, it wouldn't be