Evaluating Healthcare Worker Competence in the Correct Use of Personal Protective Equipment in the COVID Era: A Quality Improvement Project.

INTRODUCTION: Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance has rapidly evolved. Healthcare workers (HCWs) should use PPE correctly to reduce the risk of nosocomial transmission of the coronavirus. We predict a lack of training regarding correct PPE usage amongst HCWs and introduce a low-resource method of training. METHODS: HCWs from various disciplines at a District General Hospital self-rated their ability in utilising PPE using uncontrolled pre- and post-session 16-item questionnaires following a single PPE training session. Participant responses were analysed using Student's t-test for independent (unpaired) samples. RESULTS: Of 64 participants, 37 participants (59%) received any prior PPE training. Six participants (9%) previously received specific severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 PPE training. Survey scores were higher in the post-test than the pre-test group. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the lack of formal PPE training amongst HCWs and the need for establishing PPE training as part of the mandatory training of HCWs.

A District General Hospital Trauma Service Response to COVID-19: Lessons Learnt.

OBJECTIVE: This article seeks to evaluate and outline the changes made to the trauma and orthopaedic department in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic. We detail the approach in relation to surgical management, workforce optimisation and our general reflections as a department. METHODS: We interviewed, collated and have subsequently described the adaptations implemented by our department. We have collected their shared strategy and reflections on how the COVID-19 pandemic affected our department. RESULTS: Alterations were implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A strategy focused on ensuring the workforce remained healthy, and patient care pathways were altered as minimally as possible. CONCLUSIONS:  As a unit, a sense of heightened vigilance needs to remain for the foreseeable future. Decisive action by departmental leadership, alongside a cohesive and open, has allowed for our trauma service to continue largely unchanged. This analysis serves as an important aide-memoire for future periods of extreme uncertainty.