Workflow updates to maintain clinical services and reduce utilisation of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak

摘要

To the Editor—In a general hospital, there are many clinical procedures involving aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), such as bronchoscopy and other specific procedures involving airway care, that can induce the production of aerosols of various sizes, including droplet nuclei. 1 According to the latest guidelines from the Centre for Health Protection of the Hong Kong SAR Government, the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) for performing AGPs includes N95 respirator, eye protection, gown, gloves, and cap (optional). 2 However, there was a severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of PPE amid the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In response, the Hospital Authority adjusted public hospital non-emergency services and non-essential services to focus manpower and resources. 3 Reducing utilisation of PPE in various clinical services has become an issue of current concern at frontline and management levels.