Body protection for healthcare professionals: the correct choice based on the risk assessment

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has drawn attention to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, including gowns and coveralls for body protection. However, PPEs are essential also in non-emergency situations, in order to protect both personnel and patients from infective agent transmission during normal healthcare activity. This paper reviews protective clothing available for healthcare on the market, providing criteria for selecting the proper device based on the risk assessment of the specific patient-care activity. Main aspects related to comfort and fit of protective clothing are then analyzed. Finally, differences between disposable and reusable devices are discussed, comparing advantages and disadvantages of both solutions. While these considerations are applicable to general healthcare activities, the survey provides specific references to the COVID-19 emergency, when the necessity of providing adequate protection to healthcare workers may be influenced by the shortage of PPE supplies.