Donning and Doffing PPE Correctly

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, it is now especially crucial that healthcare professionals are educated in the correct application and removal of personal protective equipment in order to protect both themselves and their patients.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) donning and doffing is a critical process that requires significant care.

This process, particularly the removal and disposal of contaminated PPE, is considered a highly important step in limiting exposure to pathogens (CEC 2020).

Healthcare organisations should uphold appropriate infection control and prevention measures as per the NSQHS Preventing and Controlling Healthcare-Associated Infection Standard.

What is PPE?

The term personal protective equipment refers to anything used to decrease the risk of harm to the health and safety of workers (Safe Work Australia 2017).

In healthcare settings, PPE is used to create a barrier between the worker and any infectious agents (spread through airborne, contact or droplet modes) they may come into contact with. The aim is to reduce the risk of touching, transmitting or being exposed to pathogens (MedlinePlus 2019).