A professional approach to personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the context of COVID-19 and personal protective equipment, the aesthetic practitioner's approach to risk is what informs decision-making and determines choices

This year, several organisations have released ‘return to practice’ guidance in support of aesthetic practitioners returning to work after a national lockdown necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. An important part of this work relates to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements. Many are now 3 months into working in this challenging environment, and the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing (JAN) has requested an update on this equally challenging area of PPE.

The basic requirements for PPE—mask, faceguard, apron and gloves—are understood and self-explanatory. Guidance builds on this, and the information is readily available. A recent article in published in JAN by Sally Taber discussed professionalism in cosmetic practice (Taber, 2020), and it seems reasonable that what might also be useful is to consider how we, as regulated health professionals, determine and make use of PPE. Therefore, this article is not about the substance of PPE, but rather the behaviours of professional practice that inform decision-making in relation to it.