The PPE spotter role: Supporting best practice in acute and long-term care

ABSTRACT

Healthcare workers are at high risk of contracting infections including COVID-19 due to close and frequent contact with patients. To promote appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and to enhance protection of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, we trained a team of registered nurses to serve as "PPE Spotters”. This team offered in-person observation, support, feedback, and on-the-spot teaching about proper PPE use and hand hygiene practices. Evaluation showed staff and leaders felt the Spotters effectively promoted best practices for PPE and hand hygiene, and 86% recommended the program continue. PPE Spotters now serve a formal role in the organization, supporting both acute and long-term care.