The availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) among dermatologists in COVID-19 pandemic has not previously been studied. We have assessed PPE availability among dermatologists and relevant aspects of hospital service by surveying 733 dermatologists. Considerable percentages of responders had to purchase own PPE and were not provided with it at the hospital (40.2% and 37.7%, respectively). Only 27% of responders provided hospital service, and 18.4% were allotted a non-dermatologic duty. A substantial percentage (64.4%) indicated the availability of hospital issued management guidelines (HIMG) for COVID-19 patients. Almost half of the participants (49.1%) responded that the healthcare system was not equipped for the pandemic. Purchasing one's own PPE was strongly associated with private practice setting and continent (highest rates in Central/South America and Europe) (P<.001). PPE availability at a hospital was associated with two continents (highest rates in Europe and North America) (P <.001). In logistic regression, the most important factor reducing the odds ratio (OR) for purchasing own PPE was HIMG for COVID-19 patients (OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.32-0.97]). Responder's assessment that healthcare system was equipped for COVID-19 was the most powerful increaser of OR for PPE availability (OR, 9.43 [95% CI, 5.37-16.56]) followed by >1,000 COVID-19 cases in the participant's country.
In conclusion, substantial percentages of responders had to purchase their own PPE and were not provided with it at the hospital. Strategies to increase PPE availability should be implemented by hospitals, industry, and government authorities.