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Research Paper | Medical Science | India | Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023 | Popularity: 5.3 / 10

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The Impact of Using Personal Protective Equipment on the Decisions and Performance of Healthcare Practitioners

Mohammad Furaih Alanazi, Dr Abdulaziz Mohammed Aldhafeeri, Masad Saad Almutairi, Dr. Abdulaziz Mohammed Alruwaili, Khazna Ameg AlAnazi

Abstract: During the pandemic conditions, in order to reduce exposure to risks that can result in serious illnesses or infections at work, personal protection equipment is worn. These illnesses and injuries could be brought on by exposure to workplace risks such as chemical, radioactive, physical, electrical, or mechanical ones. These personal protective devices must be made in a way that is both safe to use and reliable to maintain. It need to be snug, promoting worker utilization.. In this study, we primarily examined the perceptions and experiences of healthcare practitioners at the Specialized Dental Center in Hafar Al-Batin regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). While we did not extensively explore the long-term impact of prolonged PPE use on practitioners' performance, we did uncover several noteworthy findings. This study underscores the importance of further research to objectively assess the long-term effects of prolonged PPE use on healthcare practitioners' performance. Additionally, it highlights the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the design and usability of personal protective equipment, particularly during extended epidemics. The study adopted a descriptive approach, incorporating a questionnaire and a review of relevant literature and resources from both Arab and international university libraries, alongside the insights of participants from the Specialized Dental Center in Hafar Al-Batin. Aim: Assess the long-term effects of prolonged PPE use on healthcare practitioners' performance. Additionally, it highlights the need for ongoing efforts to enhance the design and usability of personal protective equipment, particularly during extended epidemics. Material and Methods: Members of the Office of Director of Dentistry in HafrAlB at invisited Hafar Al-Batin, a specialized dental center and conducted a electronic- based survey. All the health practitioners working in the dental center were asked to fill a questionnaire. The questionnaire elicited information regarding personal details, knowledge, approach and awareness towards PPE and perceptions and experiences regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). While we did not extensively explore the long-term impact of prolonged PPE use on practitioners' performance. A total of 57 responses were collected, and theirresults analyzed. Results: The sample consisted of 57 healthcare personnel at the Specialized Dental Center in Hafar Al-Batin, Saudi Arabia. Among them, 56.1% were males, and 43.9% were females. Their ages ranged from 20 to 55 years, with the majority falling between 25 and 39 years (74.9%). The distribution of positions among them was as follows: dental assistants (31.6%), dental hygienists (24.6%), resident doctors (19.3%), and oral health and dental health professionals (10.5%). Other positions accounted for less than ( 10 % ). This study highlights the inadequate knowledge among healthcare practitioners regarding personal protective equipment (PPE), Despite weak knowledge, the study revealed a positive and reassuring attitude, beliefs, and commitment among healthcare practitioners toward PPE. However, the use of PPE had a negative impact on healthcare practitioners' overall comfort, including visibility and visual field issues, as well as communication with colleagues and patients. Fortunately, clinical skills and decision-making remained largely unaffected. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the insufficient knowledge among healthcare practitioners regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). Despite this knowledge gap, healthcare practitioners displayed a positive and reassuring attitude, beliefs, and commitment toward PPE. However, the use of PPE had negative implications for the overall comfort of healthcare practitioners, leading to visibility and visual field issues, as well as difficulties in communication with colleagues and patients. Fortunately, the impact on clinical skills and decision-making was minimal.To address these challenges and obstacles, it is crucial to enhance the quality of protective suits by employing lightweight and well-fitting designs. Furthermore, the integration of PPE with cooling and ventilation mechanisms can be advantageous. Visibility issues can be mitigated through the utilization of anti-fog masks and anti-glare accessories. Additionally, electronic devices like wireless headphones can help overcome communication difficulties.

Keywords: COVID 19, healthacre practitioners, personal proetective equipment, PPE

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 9, September 2023

Pages: 1478 - 1482

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.21275/SR23919141816

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