With the current situation we are facing, medics have to be covered in PPE (personal protective equipment) when dealing with patients. PPE is to protect them from contracting any viruses but it also makes their interactions with patients less “fun” so to speak. Patients cannot see a friendly smile to help reassure them that the medic is on their side. So they have come up with an idea to show their smiles to patients while still remaining protected. It is normal for patients to experience anxiety while isolated. Seeing a warm, friendly face of the person taking care of you can ease that anxiety. Here’s some pictures medics are sharing on twitter of their smiling faces attached to their PPE.

Saw this idea on IG and thought it was a beautiful way to bring ease to our patients during this stressful time. Thank you to all the healthcare workers out there for battling on the frontlines. To all those who are staying home, huge shout out to you! I know that is also not easy. #nurse #nurses #nurselife #healthcare #covid19 #coronavirus #staysafe #stayhome #washyourhands #coveryourmouth #thistooshallpass #faith #faithoverfear #godisgood #davita

4,472 Likes, 252 Comments - D E R E K ⭐️ D E V A U L T (@derekdevault) on Instagram: "Saw this idea on IG and thought it was a beautiful way to bring ease to our patients during this..."

Love this idea: Medics tape photos of themselves smiling on their PPE so patients can see a reassuring & friendly face. Human connection + compassion creatively maintained #covid19 https://t.co/tKhUDJrqKN pic.twitter.com/GKKzrM05SC
— Beth Elzer (@macbethdc) April 9, 2020

Robertino, respiratory therapist @ScrippsHealth says "A reassuring smile makes a big difference to a scared patient." He inspired Derek, a nurse in Pasadena who works with dialysis patients, and other medical heroes to do the same. #compassion #connection https://t.co/acy0zW0BzW pic.twitter.com/WQByiKwjh2
— Beth Elzer (@macbethdc) April 11, 2020

Taped a picture of myself to my hazmat suit today so my patients could put a face to their doctor. I've had one patient since I started 12 days ago, it felt so nice to finally show him that under this suit is a real person who is striving to get him better and send him home to his family. #covid19 #frontlineworkers #womeninmedicine #hazmatsuit #ppe #realpeople #medicine #doctor #coronavirus #covid #healthcareworkers

1,599 Likes, 36 Comments - l i n a (@whitecoatdreams) on Instagram: "Taped a picture of myself to my hazmat suit today so my patients could put a face to their doctor...."

Healthcare workers are taping pictures of themselves smiling to reassure patients