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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 10-11-2023 | Climate Change | Original Article

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

Authors: Razan Wibowo, Viet Do, Caroline Quartucci, Daniela Koller, Hein A. M. Daanen, Dennis Nowak, Stephan Bose-O’Reilly, Stefan Rakete

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Purpose

As climate change accelerates, healthcare workers (HCW) are expected to be more frequently exposed to heat at work. Heat stress can be 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 and working performance is becoming crucial. Using wearable sensors, this study investigated the physiological effects of heat stress due to HCW-related activities.

Methods

Eighteen participants performed four experimental sessions in a controlled climatic environment following a standardized protocol. The conditions were (a) 22 °C, (b) 22 °C and PPE, (c) 27 °C and (d) 27 °C and PPE. An ear sensor (body temperature, heart rate) and a skin sensor (skin temperature) were used to record the participants´ physiological parameters.

Results

Heat and PPE had a significant effect on the measured physiological parameters. When wearing PPE, the median participants’ body temperature was 0.1 °C higher compared to not wearing PPE. At 27 °C, the median body temperature was 0.5 °C higher than at 22 °C. For median skin temperature, wearing PPE resulted in a 0.4 °C increase and higher temperatures in a 1.0 °C increase. An increase in median heart rate was also observed for PPE (+ 2/min) and heat (+ 3/min).

Conclusion

Long-term health and productivity risks can be further aggravated by the predicted temperature rise due to climate change. Further physiological studies with a well-designed intervention are needed to strengthen the evidence for developing comprehensive policies to protect workers in the healthcare sector.

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Title: 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
Authors: Razan Wibowo
Viet Do
Caroline Quartucci
Daniela Koller
Hein A. M. Daanen
Dennis Nowak
Stephan Bose-O’Reilly
Stefan Rakete
Publication date: 10-11-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Climate Change
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-023-02022-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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