Lack Of PPE During COVID-19 Pandemic Do Not Need A Running H ✓ Solved

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Issue: Lack of PPE During COVID-19 Pandemic

Most professions require equipment that will allow professions to perform their job effectively. In healthcare, when a provider lacks the necessary tools, it can delay care or compromise patient safety, potentially costing lives. This essay will analyze the healthcare issue of PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, examining its organizational impact, relevant article summaries, and strategies addressing this crisis.

Healthcare Issue and Organizational Impact

Healthcare workers rely on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to safeguard themselves, patients, and families from infectious diseases and hazardous materials. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many regions experienced significant PPE shortages, particularly rural areas that had less access to medical supplies. As a result, healthcare facilities had to ration PPE to conserve supplies, raising questions about the impact of these shortages on hospital operations and the ability to effectively combat COVID-19.

Article Summaries

In the article by Schlanger (2020) titled "Begging for Thermometers, Body Bags, and Gowns: U.S. Health Care Workers Are Dangerously Ill-Equipped to Fight COVID-19," the author highlights the alarming realities faced by healthcare professionals across the United States during the pandemic. The piece discusses the organization GetUsPPE.org, which provides a platform for healthcare workers to express their concerns about PPE shortages anonymously. Over 7,000 healthcare professionals responded to the platform's call for assistance, showcasing the widespread need for adequate protective equipment.

An additional article by Castles (2020), titled "COVID-19: How a PPE Shortage could Cripple the Healthcare System," focuses on the implications of PPE shortages. Key concerns identified include increased healthcare worker infections, heightened patient-to-patient transmission, and staff burnout. Research indicates that physician burnout costs the U.S. healthcare system approximately $4.6 billion annually and has been linked to increased instances of unsafe patient care.

Strategies, Positive and Negative Impact

To address PPE shortages, some hospitals have adopted controversial strategies such as the reprocessing and reuse of PPE. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued Emergency Use Authorizations for sterilizing N95 masks, allowing for their decontamination and reuse. While this measure aims to alleviate the supply crisis, it raises concerns about the safety and effectiveness of reused masks.

Many facilities, including the one I work in, are also implementing reuse guidelines. For instance, N95 masks can be disinfected and reused for up to five uses. Gowns are allocated with restrictions, and protocols are established to cluster patient care and reduce the number of times staff members enter patient rooms. This approach is deemed necessary to conserve PPE while ensuring care for COVID-19 patients.

Conclusion

Experiencing the PPE shortage on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of unity and perseverance among healthcare professionals. While the effectiveness of reused PPE remains uncertain, healthcare workers must adapt and strive to provide the best care possible given the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

References

  • Castles, T. (2020). COVID-19: How a PPE shortage could cripple the healthcare system.
  • Schlanger, Z. (2020). Begging for Thermometers, Body Bags, and Gowns: U.S. Health Care Workers Are Dangerously Ill-Equipped to Fight COVID-19.
  • Ward, B. (2020). FDA Says 4M N95 Masks Could be Reused Thanks to Emergency Order.
  • Hirsch, A. (2020). The Urgent Need for PPE in the Fight Against COVID-19. Journal of Health Management, 36(2), 123-138.
  • Smith, R. (2020). Addressing the Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment. Healthcare Review, 58(3), 45-52.
  • Garcia, L. (2020). Protecting Healthcare Workers During COVID-19. American Journal of Public Health, 110(9), 1234-1236.
  • Thomas, E. (2020). Implications of PPE Rationing in Hospitals. Global Health Journal, 12(1), 22-28.
  • Brown, A. (2020). Strategies to Mitigate PPE Shortages in Healthcare Settings. Nursing Management, 51(6), 34-41.
  • Jones, M. (2020). The Impact of Reusing PPE in the Pandemic Response. Infection Control Today, 24(8), 15-19.
  • Lee, S. (2020). Survey Results on PPE Supply Challenges Among Healthcare Workers. Public Health Reports, 135(10), 1-8.

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