Evaluation of Personal Protective Equipment Use Among Environmental Services Workers in Hospital Settings.

Abstract

Background: Environmental services (EVS) workers in healthcare settings are at risk for exposure to hazardous drugs, including antineoplastic drugs, because of their role in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces where patients have received these drugs. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for minimizing exposure; because oncology nurses rely on EVS partners to maintain safe care environments, inconsistent PPE use has direct implications for team safety and oncology practice.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess PPE use among EVS workers in oncology and non-oncology settings, identify gaps between self-reported and observed PPE use, and explore factors influencing use.

Methods: The team employed a mixed-methods approach, combining observational data with verbally administered questionnaire data. Twelve EVS workers from various units participated. Observations of PPE use and responses to adapted survey instruments provided insights into practices and perceptions.

Findings: Results revealed discrepancies between self-reported and observed PPE use, and participants frequently overestimated use. Participants commonly wore gloves, but they underused gloves tested for use with hazardous drugs, particularly in oncology settings. The team identified training gaps as barriers to consistent PPE use, and social desirability bias may explain the discrepancy between self-reported and observed PPE use.