Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical part of infection prevention and health care worker (HCW) protection. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed gaps in the ability of health care systems to ensure HCWs have adequate access to PPE during times of surge in demand, placing both HCWs and patients at risk. In March 2024, the National Academies convened a public workshop to identify opportunities to increase the use of reusable health care textiles (HCTs) used for PPE in health care settings. Speakers emphasized reusable textiles' potential to protect health care staff and their patients, reduce waste and environmental effects from disposable HCTs, prepare for future pandemics, and provide cost savings.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
1 Introduction
2 Level Setting: The U.S. Ecosystem for PPE
3 Level Setting: Policies and Standards for PPE
4 Environmental Impact
5 Economic Impact
6 Safety and Quality Considerations
7 Decision-Making Support
8 Aspects of Implementation
9 Closing and Possible Paths Forward
Appendix A: References
Appendix B: Key Terminology and Definitions Shared with Workshop Participants
Appendix C: Workshop Agenda
Appendix D: Biographical Sketches of the Workshop Planning Committee Members, Speakers, and Staff