In this special episode of WOCTalk we sit down with Dea Kent, DNP, RN, NP-C, CWOCN, President Elect for the WOCN Society, to discuss a new WOCN document titled, “Guidance for Maintaining Skin Health When Utilizing Protective Masks for Prolonged Time Intervals”.

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), especially masks, often causes skin injuries including moisture damage, friction and pressure. TheGuidance for Maintaining Skin Health When Utilizing Protective Masks for Prolonged Time Intervals document provides practical guidance to maintain skin integrity in the prolonged wear time of protective masks such as N-95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, and similar types of protective equipment. The head/face/cheek area of an individual are at highest risk. This document is the culmination of input from WOC nurses across the United States, each working to provide guidance for skin integrity issues being seen in this unprecedented time. Although it is not an evidence-based document, it does include best practices to help guide individuals towards mitigating and solving skin related issues involving PPE.

To view the document, along with other helpful COVID-19 resources for clinicians, visit 

wocn.org/covid19

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The WOCN Society does not endorse or support products or services.