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New isolation gowns to help protect nurses treating COVID-19

Gowns which protect nurses from viruses like COVID-19 could be safer, more comfortable and sustainable thanks to research by Nottingham Trent University.

New isolation gowns to help protect nurses treating COVID-19

Gowns which protect nurses from viruses like COVID-19 could be safer, more comfortable and sustainable thanks to research by Nottingham Trent University.

A team led by Professor Katherine Townsend, of the Nottingham School of Art & Design, is working in collaboration with Dr Sonja Sterman from the University of Maribor, to redesign the isolation gown to be reusable while enhancing fit and protection.

The new gown prototypes are being sampled in a polyester and carbon textile specially developed in the UK, which has antiviral properties and can be washed in temperatures high enough to kill off all viruses and bacteria.

This fabrication would allow for the gowns to be safely reused after washing, helping reduce the impact on the environment, as most existing isolation gowns are disposed of after a single use.

The gown designs have been based on feedback given by healthcare workers who are treating people with COVID-19, including nursing staff from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Diaverum UK.

A key development – based on user feedback – is the improved comfort for the wearer, to allow nurses to perform their roles with greater ease.

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Professor Katherine Townsend

“Nurses do such an important job by laying their own personal health on the line for their patients, so it’s important that they’re given the best equipment possible,” said Professor Townsend, a Professor in Fashion and Textile Practice.

“Isolation gowns are not currently afforded the research and development that a typical uniform is, yet they’re used every day to protect thousands of people on the frontline of healthcare.

“This is about moving forwards to a higher level of design and fit, which is sustainable in terms of the environment and the suitability to the wearer.”

The designs - of which there are three prototypes – feature ribbed necklines for comfort, dropped and raglan sleeves for easier arm movements and deep cuffs with thumbholes which can be turned back to suit individual arm lengths.

One design fastens at the back, similar to a traditional gown. Another fastens at the front left shoulder in a safe way to make putting on (donning) and taking off (doffing) easier, reducing the chance of cross-contamination. The third gown is zero-waste to maximise sustainability.

The gowns are being created in three different grouped sizes – Small, Medium and Large - to accommodate sizes XS - XXXL, making them more appropriate for individuals, as existing gowns are generally one-size-fits-all.

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A raglan sleeve with a deep cuff and thumbhole

Professor Townsend added: “Our designs are in response to COVID-19 and beyond - they are intended to support health workers who are treating people in any acute care context.

“Most nurses told us that while existing PPE makes them feel protected, it can often be uncomfortable to wear, due to poor fit and fabric quality, which were the common problems presented to us.

“Comfort is key in this context, as somebody could be wearing one of these gowns for a very long shift and performing their role under a lot of stress.

“By improving comfort we can help prevent nurses from being distracted by their clothing and allow them greater peace of mind, giving them more space to concentrate on the care they are providing to patients.”

In addition to Dr Sterman, a uniform and corporate wear specialist, the team includes pattern cutting designers Eloise Salter and Karen Harrigan from the Fashion department at NTU.

The researchers are working with a private sector PPE provider with the next stage of the project involving wearer trials with nurses at UK hospitals.

The researchers are keen to gain further feedback from nurses across the UK about the gowns they are wearing, their experiences and preferences.

If you are a nurse and would like to help inform the designs, please respond to the anonymous survey which is available at: https://ntusurvey.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/grading-gowns-redesigning-one-size-ppe-to-fit-and-protect

  • Notes for editors

    Press enquiries please contact Chris Birkle, Public Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2310, or via email.

    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for its research into cultural heritage this year.

    NTU was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

    NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

    It is one of the largest UK universities. With over 37,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University injects £1.6bn into the UK economy. It has been the largest recruiter of UK undergraduates in each of the last four years. With an international student population of more than 6,000 and an NTU community representing around 160 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

    The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019.

    Information on University of Maribor can be found on its website.

Published on 6 December 2021
  • Category: Press office; Research; School of Art & Design