Educational Module: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is designed to protect both the wearer and those around us. PPE includes: gloves, gowns, lab coats, face shields, masks, eye protection, and respirators. PPE may be used alone or in combination. Individuals wear PPE as a way to protect mucous membranes, skin, and clothing from contact with infectious agents or other hazards such as chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection (see chemical manufacturer’s recommendations for specific type of PPE). The selection of PPE is based on the nature of the patient/chemical contact and likely mode of transmission of the organism(s) involved. This module is intended to teach about the various types of PPE, as well as when and how to use them. The use of simulations throughout this presentation provides visual examples that reinforce the importance of PPE use.
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Identify patient care situations where eye protection is appropriate
- Select gown type appropriate for a variety of fluid exposure situations
- Identify correct order of donning and doffing gown, gloves, eye protection/face shield, respiratory protection
- Identify when to perform hand hygiene when donning and doffing personal protective equipment
The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information on infection prevention and control. Through a range of formats, KyIP Training Center delivers educational resources tailored to the diverse learning preferences and needs of the healthcare workforce. The materials are designed to empower healthcare professionals by promoting critical thinking in infection control, incorporating adult learning principles, educational best practices, and the evidence-based scientific principles that inform them.
Laurel Robinson DNP, APRN, FNP-C
This series was developed by Laurel Robinson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Do you have questions about these modules?
Click the button below to get in contact with a member of the KyIP Training Center team to get your questions answered!
Module Documents
PPE Educational Packet
This comprehensive packet gives an in depth background on PPE, PPE simulations, and debriefing discussions. This packet will guide you through a train-the-trainer approach for you to gain the knowledge necessary to train your staff on the importance of PPE.
Click the image or click here to view the packet.
PPE Presentation
This presentation is available to guide visual and auditory learners on the background, simulations, and debriefing of the PPE module. This is a complement to the comprehensive packet and details the additional resources listed separately below.
Click the image or click here to view the presentation.
A voiceover version of this presentation is available for continuing education credit here.
PPE Video Series
Cough Simulation Video
Splashes and sprays from patients happen, but you can protect yourself. Watch the invisible effects as this healthcare worker gets coughed on during the routine collection of a nasopharyngeal swab.
Glove Contamination Video
Gloves provide protection when used appropriately, but they are not a substitute for hand hygiene. Observe this healthcare worker removing a pair of gloves and the accidental contamination that occurs.
Isolation Gowns Video
Isolation Gowns: Unrated Cover and AAMI Level 1, 2, 3, and 4. Watch this series of isolation gowns be sprayed with water mimicking a bodily fluid spray. The different AAMI levels provide varying levels of protection showing the importance of wearing the appropriate level required for the task.
Correctly Donning and Doffing Gloves Video
Putting on and taking off gloves seems simple, but did you know there is actually a technique to follow? Watch this video on correctly donning and doffing gloves. Contaminate the gloves with paint or shaving cream to see if you are taking them off correctly without contaminating yourself.
PPE Simulation Video (Simulation from 2023 IP Boot Camp)