Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a routine in healthcare. However, the norms and standards vary from organization to organization, fracturing the opportunities that accompany routine. Supply type, brand, processes, costs, scientific review with product approvals, labor regulatory oversight, HCW application and attention to infection prevention with PPE use all vary widely across institutions, states and countries. This variance is unfortunate, given that the pathogen does not change character simply because it is in a different building or geographical territory.

We have an opportunity to improve the short term and long term approach to PPE worldwide. We can best structure this opportunity by observing quantity and quality. 

The short term quantity and quality of PPE should focus on guidelines, norms and immediate need. The short term should be directed with global effort.

 

The long term quantity and quality of PPE should observe innovative and transformative approaches to all aspects of PPE manufacturing, supply and use. The long term should be directed with global attention and priority, with a fresh take on routine in mind. The long term should be directed for all, regardless of a country’s income bracket.

Quantity 

*Quantify cost and savings associated with appropriate supply of PPE for every country. 

*Quantify resources needed for a dedicated global health PPE logistics team. 

*Quantify ongoing needs, by country, with consistency to definition of shortage (inclusive or exclusive of reprocessing). 

*Quantify use of burn rate calculators and other tools. 

*Quantify audit processing by regulator - how many breaches of PPE supply standards are noted? It is not enough to ask a politician what the country needs; ongoing verification should be objective.

*Quantify projected needs and logistics (time, partnerships, cost) anticipated. 

Quality

*Bring quality to the definitions around PPE. What is the definition of a face mask, what is the definition of a protective healthcare gown, and what is the definition of shortage? How does reprocessing factor in? Definition of shortage should include whether or not supplies are being reprocessed, and if this is best practice. Bring quality and consistency to definitions.

*Continue quality in PPE science with organized global research efforts. Identify studies that have not been replicated or have not received widespread scrutiny regarding PPE innovation, PPE science or healthcare environment supplementation (face mask processes that may work better under various air exchanges or air filtration). Continue quality and organize the research for a global effort.

*Continue quality in adjustment guidance. Technical use and modifications to PPE during shortages should now be validated and revised. 

*Convene innovation experts, review best paths forward and create a strategic gameplan around innovative PPE. This may include reprocessing, this may include materials science and this may include concepts such as form-fitting masks. Some PPE ideas have been around much longer than 2014, and even recent conversations should be heard and weighed. 

*Require consistent updates to the recommendations outlined in global health reports. 

*Assign quality indicators to global supply chain build, distribution and surveillance. 

A focus on quantity and quality can help us realize both short and long term goals to transform a dynamic PPE opportunity.