# The unintended burden of transmission-based precautions for suspected COVID-19 in the ambulatory setting

## TL;DR

This study examines how using PPE for suspected COVID-19 in clinics affects workflow, finding it adds time, waste, and cost with limited benefit.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the operational impact of PPE use in low-incidence ambulatory settings for suspected COVID-19.

## Key findings

- PPE use increased time, waste, and cost in clinics during a low incidence period of illness.
- Limited data on contact transmission and operational barriers suggest current PPE guidance may need revision.
- Workflow disruptions were observed despite low likelihood of transmission in the ambulatory setting.

## Abstract

An observational pilot in walk-in clinics assessed workflow impacts of personal protective equipment (PPE) use for COVID-19 cases. PPE added time, waste, and cost despite a low incidence period of illness. Limited supporting data for contact transmission and operational barriers suggest ambulatory PPE guidance for COVID-19 warrants modification.