Health care workers’ access to personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, health care workers have faced particular challenges because of an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 in health care settings, high workloads, increased stress and issues involving the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is equipment worn by health care workers to minimize exposure to hazards that could cause serious workplace illness. The equipment includes things such as gloves, respirator masks (KN95 or N95), other masks (e.g., surgical masks, non-medical masks), disposable gowns, eye protection and face shields.

Increased exposure, limited access to personal protective equipment

During the first year of the pandemic, nearly all health care workers (96%) reported having had direct in-person contact with patients, colleagues or clients at their job location. More than half (55%) of health care workers had in-person contact with people who were confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

Among health care workers who had in-person contact and required PPE, more than half (56%) said they experienced at least one restriction or condition related to the supply of PPE. The most reported restriction was extended use of PPE beyond the normal use (29%). One in five health care workers (19%) said that the respirator masks (KN95 or N95) they needed were sometimes or never available during the pandemic. The percentage of health care workers who reported at least one type of PPE as sometimes or never available was highest in British Columbia (23%) and Quebec (21%), while the lowest percentages (16%) were in Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Reported conditions or restrictions on the supply of PPE were highest among nurses (66%) and physicians (61%), as well as health care workers in acute care settings, where  just over two-thirds (69%) said they experienced at least one restriction related to the supply of PPE.

Nearly two thirds (65%) of health care workers who had in-person contact with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases said they experienced at least one restriction related to the supply of PPE, compared with less than half (44%) of workers who only had contact with not suspected or confirmed cases.

Personal protective equipment practices among the many changes experienced by health care workers

In 2021, the most commonly reported impacts of COVID-19 experienced by health care workers were feeling more stressed at work (87%), having an increased workload (for example, extra screening, cleaning, and managing PPE and other tasks related to the pandemic) (75%) and having to do work that they do not normally do (56%).

Mental health and burnout among health care workers

Access to PPE is not only important because of its physical protection for health care workers who may be exposed to COVID-19 in health care settings, it may also have implications on their mental health.

In a 2020 crowdsource survey, participating health care workers reported worsened mental health compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. A higher proportion of health care workers who experienced at least one restriction or condition on the supply of PPE (77%) reported that their mental health was "somewhat worse now" or "much worse now" compared with those with unrestricted access to PPE (63%).

In the 2021 survey, among health care workers not intending to retire, nearly one in five (18%) stated that they intend to leave their current job or change jobs within the next three years. Job stress or burnout was the most reported reason (63%). Burnout has been reported by several professional associations as a concern for their members since the onset of the pandemic.

As we approach cold and flu season mixed in with another wave of COVID-19, the pressure on health care workers is sure to persist. Providing consistent and adequate access to PPE continues to be an important aspect of creating a safe workplace for those who are the cornerstone of our health care system.