The selection of PPE is based on the nature of the patient interaction and the potential for exposure to blood, body fluids or infectious agents. PPE is to be worn under the following circumstances:

Gloves are to be worn when it can be reasonably anticipated that contact with blood or other potentially infectious material could occur. If gloves are selected to be worn: 

A. Wear gloves with fit and durability appropriate to the task (typically this will be medical examination gloves) 

B. Remove gloves after contact with the patient or the surrounding environment.

A. Change gloves during patient care if your hands move from a contaminated to a clean body site.

B. Dispose of gloves after single use (do not wash or reuse)

Gowns are to be worn to protect skin and prevent soiling or contamination of clothing when patient care activities are expected to result in contact with blood, body fluids, secretions or excretion. Gowns should also be worn when a patient has uncontained secretions or excretions. When wearing a gown:

A. Remove the gown and perform hand hygiene before leaving the patient environment. 

B. Do not reuse gowns, even for repeat contact with the same patient.

Use PPE to protect the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during procedures and patient-care activities that are likely to generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, and excretions. Select masks, goggles, face shields, and combinations of each according to the need anticipated by the task performed. Respiratory protection should also be worn when there is a known infectious disease e.g., M. tuberculosis, SARS, or hemorrhagic fever viruses.

Note:

LifeCare considers the occupational exposure risk for our staff to be low and does not anticipate that routine patient care will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment except for gloves. Personal Protective Equipment is maintained in the clinic for therapist use in the event of anticipated or actual exposure.

If a therapist feels at risk of exposure during patient care at an off-site location, please contact our office to discuss the patient's case and implement necessary preventive measures. In an emergency, know that the safety of our staff is paramount, and therapists are not expected nor advised to place themselves at personal risk.