100199 - Availability of skin-friendly personal protective equipment for healthcare workers with atopic dermatitis: a hospital-wide audit

Healthcare workers with atopic dermatitis (AD) are at increased risk of occupational skin disease due to frequent exposure to personal protective equipment (PPE), hand hygiene products and irritants. Inadequate availability of skin-friendly materials may lead to disease exacerbation, reduced work performance and absenteeism.

A cross-sectional hospital-wide audit was conducted in multiple clinical departments. Data were collected using a structured checklist assessing the availability of skin-friendly PPE and a short self-reported questionnaire for healthcare workers with AD. Outcomes included availability of appropriate materials, perceived adequacy, and self-reported work-related exacerbation of AD.

Preliminary findings demonstrated variability between departments in the availability of skin-friendlyPPE. Nitrile, powder-free gloves were not consistently available in all clinical areas, while access to emollient-containing hand hygiene products was limited. A significant proportion of healthcare workers with self-reported AD reported work-related worsening of symptoms and the need to self-purchase suitable materials.

This audit highlights gaps in the provision of skin-friendly PPE for healthcare workers with atopic dermatitis. Nursing-led audits can identify unmet occupational health needs and support targeted interventions to improve skin health, safety and quality of care. Implementation of standardized policies for AD-friendly PPE is recommended.