Personal Protective Equipment and Risk of Pressure Injury
The increased use of masks and eye protection required for COVID-19 has increased the risk of pressure injuries for health care professionals as evidenced from our overseas colleagues. The use of hydrocolloid, low profile foam and other silicone-based dressings/taping are options to use under personal protective equipment to protect these vulnerable areas. We encourage you to share this information with your organisation's Emergency Management and Infection Control Teams so they can best utilise and disseminate this information. In addition, wound companies that provide these products to your organisation can provide more advice on cutting techniques and application.
PLEASE NOTE: N95/P2 respirators must be fit checked. If using any protective skin dressing under a N95/P2 respirator, you must be fit checked with the respirator and dressing in place, as the dressing will alter the fit of the N95/P2 respirator.
For more information please see the resources below:
- Recommendations from the PRPPE
- How to cut Comfeel Plus Transparent
- NPIAP National Pressure Injury Advisor Panel Covid-19 Resources
- Cutting Guide for Comfeel Plus around Ears
Disclaimer: The society does not endorse any specific wound care products.
Prone Positioning
Improved oxygenation and reduced mortality with prone positioning in moderate and severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (including with COVID-19) guide has been released by the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.
Again we reiterate to use this information through the correct channels hence your organisations Emergency Management and Infection Control Teams so they can best utilise and disseminate this information.
- NPIAP - Pressure Injury Prevention - Tips for Prone Positioning
- ProneTect - Skin Care Considerations for the patient in prone position
Guidelines for Podiatrists for COVID-19 - click here to link to Podiatrist Board NZ
Tissue Viability Society - Covid-19 Information
European Wound Management Association (EWMA) have useful page on COVID 19 related information - click here
