Lessons learnt from the rapid implementation of reusable personal protective equipment for COVID-19 in Malawi



Limani, Fumbani, Garley, David, Cocker, Derek ORCID: 0000-0002-6670-2713, Patel, Priyanka, Patel, Pratiksha, Gordon, Stephen, Nyirenda, Mulinda, Sakala, Servace, Gadama, Luis A, Dube, Queen
et al (show 4 more authors) (2021) Lessons learnt from the rapid implementation of reusable personal protective equipment for COVID-19 in Malawi. BMJ GLOBAL HEALTH, 6 (9). e006498-.

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Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has challenged health systems and healthcare workers worldwide. Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to mitigate the risk of excess mortality in healthcare providers. In Malawi, the cost of PPE represents an additional drain on available resources. In the event of repeated waves of disease over several years, the development of sustainable systems of PPE is essential. We describe the development, early implementation and rapid scale up of a reusable gown service at a tertiary-level hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Challenges included healthcare worker perceptions around the potential of reduced efficacy of cotton gowns, the need to plan for surge capacity and the need for ongoing training of laundry staff in safety and hygiene procedures. Benefits of the system included increased coverage, decreased cost and reduced waste disposal. The implementation of a reusable cotton gown service is feasible, acceptable and cost-effective in tertiary centres providing specialist COVID-19 care at the height of the pandemic. This innovation could be expanded beyond low-income settings.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: COVID-19, public health, infections, diseases, disorders, injuries
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 14 Oct 2021 07:59
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2023 21:27
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006498
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006498
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3140360