Effects of heat and personal protective equipment on thermal strain in healthcare workers: part B—application of wearable sensors to observe heat strain among healthcare workers under controlled conditions

• DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-02022-2
• Publication Date: 2023-11-10T11:02:01Z
• Authors: Razan Wibowo; Viet Do; Caroline Quartucci; Daniela Koller; Hein A. M. Daanen; Dennis Nowak; Stephan Bose-O’Re...; Stefan Rakete
• Keywords: Personal Protective Equipment; Heat illness

Abstract Purpose As climate change accelerates, healthcare workers (HCW) are expected to be more frequently exposed heat at work. Heat stress can exacerbated by physical activity and unfavorable working requirements, such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Thus, understanding its potential negative effects on HCW´s health performance is becoming crucial. Using wearable sensors, this study investigated the physiological of due HCW-related activities. Methods Eighteen participants performed four experimental sessions in a controlled climatic environment following standardized protocol. The conditions were (a) 22 °C, (b) °C PPE, (c) 27 (d) PPE. An ear sensor (body temperature, heart rate) skin (skin temperature) used record participants´ parameters. Results PPE had significant effect measured When median participants’ body temperature was 0.1 higher compared not At 0.5 than °C. For resulted 0.4 increase temperatures 1.0 increase. rate also observed for (+ 2/min) 3/min). Conclusion Long-term productivity risks further aggravated predicted rise change. Further studies with well-designed intervention needed strengthen evidence developing comprehensive policies protect sector.