The Insidious Dangers of Disposable Isolation Gowns—and How to Address Them. Written by Karen Haberland, Senior Project Officer.
Isolation gowns are a longstanding infection control tool across hospital settings. These garments are intended to safeguard patients and clinicians by preventing the spread of disease-causing microorganisms. But do today’s disposable gowns provide the degree of protection healthcare workers assume? Not necessarily.
Switching from disposable to reusable PPE, Written for the BMJ
Sustainable sourcing, use, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) can help healthcare providers reduce the environmental impacts of their work. In this article we review supporting evidence and provide guidance for healthcare institutions to adopt reusable forms of PPE as safe, cost saving, and sustainable alternatives to single use disposables.
Investigation of the barrier performance of disposable isolation gowns. Written by Selcen Kilinc-Balci, PhD.
Recent epidemics and pandemics highlighted the need for effective personal protective equipment, including isolation gowns. The most critical property of an isolation gown is its ability to keep liquids and viruses from passing through the gown. Liquid and viral barrier penetration can be measured using laboratory test methods. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) PB70 standard defines isolation gown barrier performance levels and requirements. In this study, 22 disposable isolation gown models from 6 manufacturers were tested for liquid and viral penetration resistance.
"One and Done? Building a Secure Supply Chain" on Power Supply Podcast
The last couple of years have brought significant challenges in procurement of routine medical supplies with ongoing backorders, allocations and product substitutions - how can the healthcare supply chain work to build resiliency and security with strategic initiatives? After years of the healthcare industry transitioning to single-use products, many healthcare supply chains are now evaluating and moving back to reusable products as a long term solution. For instance, reusable gowns can be a reliable option to replace disposable items with more robust and better quality products that users feel more comfortable wearing. Patti Hoch discusses the benefits of these reusable products with Hays Waldrop, Garry Skinner and Justin Poulin on this episode of Power Supply, highlighting a way to build supply chain security that also provides some significant cost savings AND reduces excess waste from healthcare operations. With a Win, Win, Win, you don't want to miss this episode!
Innovative Gowns Fill Wishlist of Sustainability, Style, Design by, Tori L. Whitacre
"Collaboration of a team from Inova Health with La Forma Medical developed an isolation gown that was cooler, better fitting, and more environmentally-friendly than disposables."
