Since launching in November 2020, AHS’ Provincial PPE Safety Coach Program is gaining momentum, recently celebrating more than 1,700 participants. The program is a peer-to-peer program aimed at increasing the proper selection and use of PPE in frontline settings to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses such as influenza in Alberta.
In the summer of 2021, we launched a survey in AHS settings to get a sense of if the Provincial PPE Safety Coach Program is meeting its intended function and to see if there are ways to improve the program and uptake.
In addition to the survey, there were also opportunities for people to participate in interviews to share their experiences. The data collected will help to inform future messaging and resources for the provincial program in these settings. A summary of the results is available. In winter of 2022, a similar evaluation was completed to assess the program in other settings, such as long-term care, designated supportive living and hospice sites. A summary of those results is also available.
The Provincial PPE Safety Coach Program is based on an environmental scan of all the local improvement initiatives. The provincial program is not meant to replace, but to complement these existing programs developed at the local level.
A friendly reminder that as part of the provincial program, site leadership and unit management are encouraged to identify a minimum of two coaches per unit or program area with the intent of having a coach available and accessible on each shift. If you are interested in participating in the program, email ppesafetycoach@ahs.ca.
