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.