Rapid review on the use of personal protective equipment in the wards, intensive care unit and emergency room in the prevention of COVID-19 infection
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4141
- Author:
Germana Emerita V. Gregorio
1
;
Rowena Natividad F. Genuino
2
;
Howell Henrian Bayona
2
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Philippine General Hospital University of the Philippines Manila
2. University of the Philippines Manila
- Publication Type:Review
- MeSH:
Personal Protective Equipment;
SARS-CoV-2;
Pandemics
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2020;54(Rapid Reviews on COVID19):1-8
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:We investigated the effect of personal protective equipment (PPE) on prevention of COVID-19 on health care workers (HCW) assigned in the wards, intensive care (ICU) and emergency room (ER).
Methods:We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL as of 30 April 2021, as well as trial registers, preprint sites and COVID-19 living evidence sites. We included studies that compared use of PPE versus no use in the prevention of COVID-19. We screened studies, extracted data, assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE approach.
Results:Five observational studies (three cohort and two case control) were found. There was moderate certainty of evidence that the use of Level 2 PPE (OR 0.03 [95% CI 0, 0.19]; 1 study, n = 5542) was protective for HCW. Level 2 PPE used N95 or higher standard respirators, goggles/protective mask, medical protective clothing and disposable hats, gloves and shoe covers. We also confirmed with moderate certainty evidence the protective use of N95 respirators (OR 0.035 [95% CI 0.002, 0.603]; 1 study, n = 493). There was very low certainty of evidence that demonstrated the protective effect of face shield (OR 0.338 [95% CI 0.272, 0.420]; 2 studies, n = 6717, I2 = 45% P < 0.00001). Very low certainty of evidence showed no significance difference with use of face/surgical mask (OR 1.40 [95% CI 0.30, 6.42]; 1 study, n = 186), gowns (OR 0.768 [95% 0.314, 1.876]; 1 study, n = 179) and disposable gloves (OR 0.62 [95% CI 0.13, 2.90]; 1 study, n = 179) when attending to patients with COVID-19.
Conclusion:There was lower odds of COVID-19 infection in HCW assigned to the wards, ICU and ER with possible direct contact with COVID-19 patients who wear Level 2 PPE including N95 respirators and face shields.
