BACKGROUND: Long-term Care (LTC) residents are vulnerable to invasive infection. Appropriate use and training on personal protective equipment (PPE) is important for protecting residents and healthcare workers (HCWs). Studies on the barriers and facilitators to PPE use are limited in LTC settings. OBJECTIVE: Characterize HCWs' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to the uptake and appropriate use of PPE in LTC facilities Calgary, Alberta. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCWs from April to October 2022. Interview transcripts were analyzed deductively to identify themes from the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS: Seven HCWs were interviewed. Barriers and facilitators fell within six overarching themes including: availability and quality of PPE
knowing how to use PPE
familial obligations
convenience and comfort
sense of professional duty
and social influences and identity. Additional factors such as understaffing and the need for more training sessions were highlighted. Strategies to improve PPE use were identified by HCWs, including the use of PPE champions, regular audits, and constructive feedback. CONCLUSION: Identification of unique barriers and facilitators regarding PPE use by HCWs in LTC will facilitate targeted interventions to improve PPE use in this setting.