The Journal of hospital infection
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Variations currently exist across the UK in the choice of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers when caring for patients with suspected high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). ⋯ All suspected case PPE ensembles either had post-doffing contamination events or other significant disadvantages to their use. This identified the need to design a unified PPE ensemble and doffing procedure, incorporating the most protective PPE considered for each body area. This work has been presented to, and reviewed by, key stakeholders to decide on a proposed unified ensemble, subject to further evaluation.
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Healthcare workers caring for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) require protection from pathogen exposure, for example by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Protection is acquired through the inherent safety of the PPE components, but also their safe and correct use, supported by adequate training and user familiarity. However, the evidence base for HCID PPE ensembles and any associated training is lacking, with subsequent variation between healthcare providers. ⋯ Simulation exercises using VIOLET provide evidence-based assessment of PPE ensembles, and are a valuable resource for training of healthcare staff in wearing and safe doffing of PPE.
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Disinfection with chlorine solution was used in West Africa to prevent transmission of Ebola virus disease. This study surveyed 94 healthcare personnel and community leaders in Liberia and Guinea to assess understanding of disinfection and evaluate feedback on the perceived usefulness of Highlight, a new colour indicator designed to improve chlorine disinfection procedures. Using a Likert-type scale questionnaire, respondents agreed or strongly agreed (P<0.0001) that Highlight improved coverage of chlorine solution and feelings of confidence.