Human Factor Considerations in Using Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID-19 Pandemic Context: Binational...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Human Factors Engineering
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE), often with inadequate preparation and training.
• Prior research indicates PPE impacts performance, comfort, and contamination risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the human factors influencing the use of level 1 PPE by healthcare professionals attending to COVID-19 patients.
• Focus on physical, ergonomic, perceptual, and cognitive factors.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to healthcare professionals in Israel and Portugal.
• The survey included 10 Likert scale items on human factors related to level 1 PPE use.
• Data from 722 Israeli and 301 Portuguese respondents were analyzed.

Main Results:

• High levels of difficulty were reported regarding discomfort (78-87%), hearing (50-64%), vision (84-89%), and doffing (44-77%).
• Factor analysis revealed communication difficulties (hearing, understanding speech) strongly correlated with reduced situational awareness.
• Discomfort directly and indirectly (via communication) impacted situational awareness.

Conclusions:

• Level 1 PPE use during COVID-19 has significant perceptual and cognitive effects beyond physical discomfort.
• Findings highlight the need for improved PPE design and technology to enhance sensory input and communication.
• Enhanced training in PPE use, communication, and teamwork is essential to mitigate risks for healthcare workers.