The routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE) obscures clinicians’ facial features, impeding nonverbal communication with patients. According to an article in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, the use of PPE portraits, such as 4" × 5" photos printed on disposable stickers affixed to PPE gowns, enhanced clinician comfort in interacting with patients and other members of the care team. According to qualitative data collected during the spring surge of COVID-19, clinicians welcomed and readily adopted PPE portraits.
