PPE Best Practices for Health Leaders

The current global health crisis requires healthcare workers to be at the frontline to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. If there’s one thing we’ve all learned from previous pandemics like Ebola and H1N1, it’s that you can’t afford to trivialize the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). It's for this reason that health care leaders should adopt these three PPE best practices.

Capacity Building to Enhance the Utilization of PPE’s

Health leaders should organize training for health workers on current policies and utilization of PPE resources. This training may include virtual sessions that offer guidance on how to appropriately reuse certain equipment. Providing guidelines on the proper disposal of PPE and other biohazards is also an important consideration to help avoid environmental pollution. By ensuring access to resources, such as the CDC toolkits for health workers, you can considerably minimize the waste of PPE resources.

Enforce Implementation of Administration Controls

Health leaders must provide evidence-based communication and guidance to the healthcare workforce. By relying on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, decision-makers can ensure employers recognize and address workplace hazards. These employers should not only provide PPEs to their workers but also ensure proper maintenance and use.

Addressing Supply Shortages

Health leaders should address supply chain issues such as access and distribution of PPEs. First, they should undertake a complete inventory of all the essential equipment. Leaders in the federal government can set up a website for suppliers and manufacturers to communicate their current inventory. Secondly, health leaders should push for coordination among all stakeholders. This strategy will be useful in the distribution of PPEs to health facilities and other non-health institutions. Lastly, health leaders can utilize models to monitor high-risk areas to ensure these zones receive the highest priority.

A PPE program is only one facet in a series of protective measures a health practice requires. At Tulane School of Professional Advancement, you will learn more about how to implement a dynamic PPE program for your health facility. Choosing a certificate or degree in Public Administration or Emergency Management can provide you with leadership and management skills essential for tackling issues in the field. Explore our growing number of online courses and programs tailored to your career aspirations and start your application today.