Design and Product Development

Analyzing Healthcare Workers’ Current Isolation Gown Features for Their Safety and Protection

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Abstract

Grounded by two theoretical models, personal protective clothing on worker performance and clothing comfort, this study aimed to identify key design features of isolation gown which should be improved for ensuring healthcare workers’ (HCWs) safety and protection. A convenience sample of 153 U.S. HCWs was recruited through an online survey and used for data analysis. For HCWs, utilitarian features (donning and doffing, fit and sizing, and comfort) directly influencing their work performance are much important for its design consideration. The findings of this study showcase the interrelationships among isolation gown properties, HCWs’ task requirements, environmental conditions, and their characteristics, and how comfort can be achieved while interacting among HCWs, isolation gown, and the environment for their better work performance and safety. This study provides critical insights for a novel isolation gown design and development by considering more of its utilitarian, task-related features to ensure HCWs’ safety and health.

Keywords: isolation gown, healthcare workers, donning and doffing, design features

How to Cite:

Lee, Y. & Salahuddin, M., (2022) “Analyzing Healthcare Workers’ Current Isolation Gown Features for Their Safety and Protection”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 78(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.13441