The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of having an adequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare facilities. While the immediate crisis has subsided, ensuring preparedness for future outbreaks, including seasonal surges of respiratory illnesses, remains paramount.
Here are five crucial questions to consider when establishing or refining your PPE supply.
- What are the different types of respiratory illnesses?
Healthcare facilities must be prepared for a range of respiratory illnesses, each with its own seasonality and potential impact. The most common include:
- Seasonal Flu: Caused by influenza viruses, typically peaking between December and February.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): RSV infects the nose, throat and lungs and usually causes mild cold-like symptoms. Most common during fall, winter, and spring.
- COVID-19: Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with less predictable seasonality and year-round circulation.
Check out the latest information and recommendations: CDC Flu Season Information
- What types of PPE should you prepare for respiratory illnesses such as seasonal flu outbreaks, RSV and potential new COVID-19 variants?
Whenever you enter a flu, RSV or COVID-19 patient’s room, use a surgical mask to protect yourself from contact with the large droplets generated when a patient coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes.
For optimal protection during procedures that may involve exposure to airborne contaminants, OSHA recommends the use of appropriate respirators, such as NIOSH-approved N95, R95, P95, or higher filtering facepiece respirators, elastomeric respirators with suitable cartridges, or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). These respirators should be utilized within a comprehensive respiratory protection program that includes medical evaluations, fit testing, and training to ensure their effectiveness and compliance with OSHA standards.
Healthcare facilities should minimize the number of staff present during aerosol-generating procedures and perform these procedures in airborne infection isolation rooms (AIIRs) when available. In areas with higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, facilities may consider implementing universal use of N95 or higher-level respirators for all patient care encounters.
In addition to facemasks and coverings, healthcare workers should use:
- Eye Protection: Goggles or face shields offering full front and side face coverage remain crucial for eye protection.
- Gloves: Medical-grade gloves are essential for all patient interactions.
- Gowns: Clean gowns should be worn to protect skin and clothing when there is a risk of contact with blood or bodily fluids.
Relevant Links for Updated Guidance:
- For the latest CDC recommendations on respiratory virus prevention, including COVID-19 and flu, visit the CDC COVID-19 Information page and the CDC’s weekly FluView reports.
- For OSHA’s guidance on workplace safety and health, refer to OSHA Guidance for Healthcare Workers.
- For the latest CDC recommendations on respiratory virus prevention, including COVID-19 and flu, visit the CDC COVID-19 Information page and the CDC’s weekly FluView reports.
- For OSHA’s guidance on workplace safety and health, refer to OSHA Guidance on Respiratory Protection.
- For information on respiratory protection standards, visit the CDC’s Respiratory Protection Standard page.
- For guidance on employer-provided personal protective equipment, check the CDC’s Employer-Provided PPE page.
- For a list of NIOSH-approved respirators, consult the CDC’s Certified Equipment List.
- How much PPE should we stockpile for seasonal respiratory illnesses, potential COVID-19 surges, and concurrent outbreaks?
To ensure adequate PPE supply and availability without overstocking, consider the following factors when calculating your needs:
- Historical Data & Current Trends: Analyze previous seasons’ usage patterns and factor in current respiratory illness trends to estimate expected patient volume.
- Peak Season Duration: Account for the typical three-to-four-month peak season for illnesses like flu and RSV.
- Pandemic Preparedness: Pandemic preparedness requires a more robust approach. Current recommendations from the CDC suggest preparing for two pandemic waves lasting 12-16 weeks each. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends stockpiling enough reusable elastomeric half-face masks and goggles for 2% of the population served, in addition to a two-month supply of all other PPE types.
- Healthcare Worker Needs: Determine the number of healthcare workers requiring PPE, their specific roles, and the types and quantities of PPE they utilize per patient encounter.
- Patient, Visitor, and Other Staff Needs: Consider PPE requirements for patients, visitors, and other staff (e.g., EMS, lab technicians) who may encounter potentially infectious individuals.
Other factors such as facility size, local disease epidemiology, staffing levels, and supply chain reliability are also crucial. Regular inventory checks, stock rotation, and contingency plans for supply shortages are essential aspects of effective PPE management.
For more information on PPE conservation strategies visit the CDC’s Strategies to Optimize PPE Supplies and the CDC’s Pandemic Planning for Healthcare Settings.
Important Tip: Research your current PPE manufacturer’s supply chain. The farther away these items are produced, the longer it will take to fill large emergency orders, and the greater the risk of encountering trade barriers and port-related delays. By manufacturing HALYARD* face masks and respirators primarily in North America, we significantly reduce the risks associated with import and transport disruptions, enabling us to respond more efficiently to emergencies and outbreaks.
- How should we prepare for co-circulation of multiple respiratory viruses?
The co-circulation of multiple respiratory viruses requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes infection prevention, optimizes healthcare capacity, and leverages lessons learned from past outbreaks. Healthcare facilities should strengthen infection control measures, including universal PPE use, enhanced respiratory hygiene, and rigorous environmental cleaning. Flexible staffing models, surge capacity planning, and ongoing risk assessments are crucial for maintaining a resilient healthcare system. Targeted testing strategies and clear communication with healthcare workers, patients, and the public are essential for effective outbreak control.
For detailed guidance and resources, refer to the following:
- Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- OSHA Guidance for Healthcare Workers
- CDC MERS Infection Control
- How should we manage our supply once it’s established?
Managing a PPE supply effectively is crucial for ensuring its readiness and longevity, especially during peak seasons. Healthcare facilities should store PPE in clean, secure environments with controlled temperature and humidity, adhering to manufacturer recommendations. Implementing a first-in, first-out (FIFO) rotation system, conducting regular inventory checks, and monitoring expiration dates are essential for maintaining stockpile integrity. Regular training on proper PPE use, fit testing for respirators, and collaboration with other healthcare facilities for resource sharing enhance preparedness.
For detailed guidance on PPE storage, inventory management, and training, refer to the following CDC and OSHA resources:
- Strategies for Conserving the Supply of all Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare
- Conserving Supplies of Personal Protective Equipment in Healthcare Facilities during Shortages
Need Help Estimating Adequate PPE Quantities?
To help you estimate PPE requirements for seasonal flu and pandemic events, contact your Halyard representative.