TY - JOUR 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 DO - 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006498 VL - 6 IS - 9 SP - e006498 AU - Fumbani Limani AU - David Garley AU - Derek Cocker AU - Priyanka Patel AU - Pratiksha Patel AU - Stephen Gordon AU - Mulinda Nyirenda AU - Servace Sakala AU - Luis A Gadama AU - Queen Dube AU - Feggie Bodole AU - Kwazizira Samson Mndolo AU - Kelvin Mponda AU - Bridget Freyne Y1 - 2021/09/01 UR - http://gh.bmj.com/content/6/9/e006498.abstract N2 - 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. ER -