RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lessons learnt from the rapid implementation of reusable personal protective equipment for COVID-19 in Malawi
JF BMJ Global Health
JO BMJ Global Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e006498
DO 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006498
VO 6
IS 9
A1 Fumbani Limani
A1 David Garley
A1 Derek Cocker
A1 Priyanka Patel
A1 Pratiksha Patel
A1 Stephen Gordon
A1 Mulinda Nyirenda
A1 Servace Sakala
A1 Luis A Gadama
A1 Queen Dube
A1 Feggie Bodole
A1 Kwazizira Samson Mndolo
A1 Kelvin Mponda
A1 Bridget Freyne
YR 2021
UL http://gh.bmj.com/content/6/9/e006498.abstract
AB The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has challenged health systems and healthcare workers worldwide. Access to personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to mitigate the risk of excess mortality in healthcare providers. In Malawi, the cost of PPE represents an additional drain on available resources. In the event of repeated waves of disease over several years, the development of sustainable systems of PPE is essential. We describe the development, early implementation and rapid scale up of a reusable gown service at a tertiary-level hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. Challenges included healthcare worker perceptions around the potential of reduced efficacy of cotton gowns, the need to plan for surge capacity and the need for ongoing training of laundry staff in safety and hygiene procedures. Benefits of the system included increased coverage, decreased cost and reduced waste disposal. The implementation of a reusable cotton gown service is feasible, acceptable and cost-effective in tertiary centres providing specialist COVID-19 care at the height of the pandemic. This innovation could be expanded beyond low-income settings.All data relevant to this study are included in the article or iuploaded as supplementary information.