The use of individual protection equipment by the nursing team inside the clinical-surgical unit

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the use of individual protection equipment (IPE) by the nursing team, and checking the knowledge of those professionals concerning how to wear such equipment. Data was collected questionnaires answered by 42 individuals from the nursing team. The most outstanding results were: 92.5% of the sample say that the IPE should be worn by all patients, although a significant amount of the sample shows concern regarding the patient’s pathology, for 35.8% declared that they worn the IPE for their own protection and the patient’s as well depending on the pathology; and about 54% do not always wear the IPE when taking care of patients. We concluded that the sample has basic knowledge about the use of the IPE, which is not enough for a practice with no risk, and that they wear it unsatisfactorily.