Reusable Health Care Textiles for Use in Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical part of infection prevention and health care worker (HCW) protection. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in the ability of health care systems to ensure HCWs have adequate access to PPE during times of surge in demand, placing both HCWs and patients at risk. In March 2024, the National Academies convened a public workshop to identify opportunities to increase the use of reusable health care textiles (HCTs) used for PPE in health care settings. Speakers emphasized reusable textiles' potential to protect health care staff and their patients, reduce waste and environmental effects from disposable HCTs, prepare for future pandemics, and provide cost savings.Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 Level Setting: The U.S. Ecosystem for PPE3 Level Setting: Policies and Standards for PPE4 Environmental Impact5 Economic Impact6 Safety and Quality Considerations7 Decision-Making Support8 Aspects of Implementation9 Closing and Possible Paths ForwardAppendix A: ReferencesAppendix B: Key Terminology and Definitions Shared with Workshop ParticipantsAppendix C: Workshop AgendaAppendix D: Biographical Sketches of the Workshop Planning Committee Members, Speakers, and Staff