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Personal protective equipment for surgeons during COVID-19 pandemic: systematic review of availability, usage and rationing

British Journal of Surgery, ISSN: 1365-2168, Vol: 107, Issue: 10, Page: 1262-1280
2020
  • 109
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 304
    Captures
  • 1
    Mentions
  • 0
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

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PPE rationing for surgeons must be devoid of politics, follow guidelines

The need to balance limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) with staff and patient safety during the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic should not

Review Description

Background: Surgeons need guidance regarding appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic based on scientific evidence rather than availability. The aim of this article is to inform surgeons of appropriate PPE requirements, and to discuss usage, availability, rationing and future solutions. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using MEDLINE, Embase and WHO COVID-19 databases. Newspaper and internet article sources were identified using Nexis. The search was complemented by bibliographic secondary linkage. The findings were analysed alongside guidelines from the WHO, Public Health England, the Royal College of Surgeons and specialty associations. Results: Of a total 1329 articles identified, 95 studies met the inclusion criteria. Recommendations made by the WHO regarding the use of PPE in the COVID-19 pandemic have evolved alongside emerging evidence. Medical resources including PPE have been rapidly overwhelmed. There has been a global effort to overcome this by combining the most effective use of existing PPE with innovative strategies to produce more. Practical advice on all aspects of PPE is detailed in this systematic review. Conclusion: Although there is a need to balance limited supplies with staff and patient safety, this should not leave surgeons treating patients with inadequate PPE.

Bibliographic Details

Z. M. Jessop; T. D. Dobbs; S. R. Ali; E. Combellack; N. Ibrahim; T. H. Jovic; I. S. Whitaker; R. Clancy; A. J. Kaur; A. Nijran; T. B. O'Neill

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Medicine

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