• Salam T Ismael, Gopikanthan Manoharan, Andrew George, Kahlan Al-Kaisi, Sameera Abas, Musab Al-Musabi, Sheethal Prasad Rao, Rohit Singh, and Nigel Kiely.
• Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK.
• Clin Med (Lond). 2023 Jan 1; 23 (1): 243024-30.

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control guidelines help limit transmission. However, poor confidence leads to higher levels of anxiety rates and infection. We assessed knowledge and confidence in PPE among HCWs and associated anxiety.MethodsA cross-sectional, multi-centre survey using a validated questionnaire assessing actual and self-perceived knowledge on PPE was distributed among HCWs across the UK. Confidence in PPE and levels of anxiety were assessed using the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) tool.ResultsIn total, 1,055 responses were received; 99% had familiarity with PPE guidance; however, only 15% correctly answered questions on PPE guidance; 86% and 80% had received mask-fitting and donning-doffing training, respectively; 33% indicated poor/very poor hospital communication. Confidence and anxiety were related to: profession; comorbidities; self-perceived knowledge; and PPE training and communication.ConclusionConfidence in PPE was poor and anxiety was related to inadequate information and training. Thus, improved communication is required for effective response to subsequent COVID-19 waves and similar pandemics.© Royal College of Physicians 2023. All rights reserved.

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