4. DISCUSSION

This study investigated a sample of HCWs in regard to the availability of PPE and their main COVID-19 concerns during the early stage of the pandemic in Jordan. It was found that HCWs in Jordan had high access to the PPE with a low infection rate (3%). The advantage of investigating the preparedness of a country’s healthcare system allows us to navigate the importance of particular public health guidelines in the event of a health crisis. This enables policymakers to modify policies based on findings and recommendations. [8] Each country has its own healthcare response to outbreaks, thus developing different results of controlling any infectious disease. A big factor that plays into a healthcare system is its HCWs. [9], who make up a united front for a well-planned management, especially in infectious diseases, thus having a better outcome in control.
A recent study done in Jordan proves that the preparedness of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic may be a major reason for the well-controlled outbreak in the country. [10] The preparedness in terms of PPE adherence and institutional protocols led to a significantly higher percentage of satisfaction with feeling safe at their work, with feeling safe for their colleagues at work, and with the feeling that current infection control practices at their institution will decrease the risk for them and their colleagues to contract COVID-19. These feelings have an effect in producing a safer and more productive working environment, which is vital during a global crisis.
In this cross-sectional online survey, 751 HCWs were enrolled from different governorates. The majority of the responders were medical doctors actively working in Jordan hospitals. Our study indicates that most of the participants had the required equipment recommended by the WHO, particularly N95 masks. In our questionnaire, (91%) of the participants declared that they have used medical masks, besides 491 (65%) used N95 masks. This shows the evidence that PPE adherence was collectively high. The perception of these HCWs about well-supported public health authorities and medical institutions regarding their own safety shows that the Jordan HCWs manage well in the hospitals against the COVID-19. In this survey-based study, we found that the majority of HCWs received PPE from the ministry of health. In contrast, only 21% provided their own, out of pocket, PPE. The study findings on the reality and perceptions about the safety and resources available for HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic could inform medical institutional authorities about the need for urgent attention to the HCWs as an important valuable resource.