What is Donning and Doffing?
Donning and doffing refer to the process of putting on and taking off personal protective equipment (PPE) respectively. Proper donning and doffing are crucial in nursing to prevent cross-contamination and ensure the safety of both healthcare workers and patients.
Why is Proper Donning and Doffing Important?
Proper technique is essential to minimize the risk of exposure to infectious agents. Incorrect procedures can lead to contamination, which can jeopardize both the healthcare provider and the patient’s health. Proper donning and doffing also maintain the effectiveness of PPE, ensuring it provides the intended level of protection.
Steps for Proper Donning
1. Hand Hygiene: Before touching any PPE, perform hand hygiene using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. This step is critical to remove any contaminants on your hands.2. Gown: Wear a gown with the opening at the back. Fasten the ties at the neck and waist to ensure a snug fit.
3. Mask or Respirator: Place the mask over your nose and mouth, securing it under your chin. If using a respirator, perform a seal check to ensure it fits properly.
4. Goggles or Face Shield: Put on eye protection to safeguard your eyes from splashes and droplets. Ensure a comfortable fit that does not interfere with your mask or respirator.
5. Gloves: Wear gloves, pulling them over the cuffs of the gown to provide a continuous protective barrier.
Steps for Proper Doffing
1. Gloves: Remove gloves first as they are the most contaminated. Grasp the outside of one glove with the opposite gloved hand, peel it away, and hold it in the gloved hand. Slide fingers under the wrist of the remaining glove, peel it off, and discard both gloves safely.2. Gown: Untie the gown at the waist and neck, pulling it away from the body without touching the outside. Roll it into a ball and discard it appropriately.
3. Hand Hygiene: Perform hand hygiene immediately after removing the gown.
4. Goggles or Face Shield: Remove eye protection by handling the headband or ear pieces, avoiding contact with the front of the goggles or face shield.
5. Mask or Respirator: Grasp the bottom ties or elastics of the mask or respirator, then the top ones, and remove it without touching the front. Discard it safely.
6. Hand Hygiene: Perform hand hygiene again after removing all PPE to ensure hands are free of contaminants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Touching Contaminated Surfaces: Avoid touching the front of the mask, gown, or goggles when doffing, as these surfaces may be contaminated.2. Skipping Hand Hygiene: Hand hygiene is crucial at multiple steps. Skipping it can lead to contamination.
3. Improper Fit: Ensure PPE fits correctly. Loose gowns or improperly worn masks can reduce the protective barrier.
4. Rushing the Process: Take your time to carefully don and doff PPE. Rushed actions can lead to mistakes and contamination.
Training and Practice
Regular training and practice are essential for maintaining proficiency in donning and doffing. Healthcare facilities should provide ongoing education and opportunities for staff to practice these skills. Simulation exercises can be beneficial in reinforcing proper techniques.Conclusion
Proper donning and doffing are vital infection control practices in nursing. By following correct procedures and avoiding common mistakes, healthcare workers can protect themselves and their patients from potential infections. Continuous training and adherence to guidelines ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the healthcare environment.
