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Pompeii L, Rios J, Kraft CS, Kasbaum M, Benavides E, Patlovich SJ, Ostrosky-Zeichner L, Hornbeck A, McClain C, Fernando RD, Sietsema M, Lane M. Health Care Workers' Comfort Ratings for Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators Versus N95 ® Filtering Facepiece Respirators During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Workplace Health Saf 2024:21650799241238755. [PMID: 38587354 DOI: 10.1177/21650799241238755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reusable elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMR) are an alternative to address shortages of disposable respirators. While respirator discomfort has been noted as a barrier to adherence to wearing an N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) among health care personnel (HCP), few have examined EHMR comfort while providing patient care, which was the purpose of this study. METHOD Among a cohort of 183 HCP, we prospectively examined how HCP rated EHMR tolerability using the Respirator Comfort, Wearing Experience, and Function Instrument (R-COMFI) questionnaire at Study Week 2 and Week 10. At the completion of the study (Week-12), HCP compared EHMR comfort with their prior N95 FFR use. Overall R-COMFI scores and three subscales (comfort, wear experience, and function) were examined as well as individual item scores. FINDINGS The HCP reported an improved overall R-COMFI score (lower score more favorable, 30.0 vs. 28.7/47, respectively) from Week 2 to Week 10. Many individual item scores improved or remained low over this period, except difficulty communicating with patients and coworkers. The overall R-COMFI scores for the EHMR were more favorable than for the N95 FFR (33.7 vs. 37.4, respectively), with a large proportion of workers indicating their perception that EHMR fit better, provided better protection, and they preferred to wear it in pandemic conditions compared with the N95 FFR. CONCLUSION/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE Findings suggest that the EHMR is a feasible respiratory protection device with respect to tolerance. EHMRs can be considered as a possible alternative to the N95 FFR in the health care setting. Future work is needed in the EHMR design to improve communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Pompeii
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
- Baylor College of Medicine
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Janelle Rios
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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Bray C, Vanberkel PT. A framework for comparing N95 and elastomeric facepiece respirators on cost and function for healthcare use during a pandemic- A literature review. Health Policy 2023; 134:104857. [PMID: 37336164 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has posed implications for personal protective equipment supply. In this literature review we examine if elastomeric facepiece respirators (EFRs) are effective substitutes for N95 respirators through comparing their functionality and cost. We reviewed 30 articles which researched the advantages and disadvantages of each respirator. We compiled the reported results and found, among other things, that users favour N95 respirators for comfort but prefer EFRs for protection. EFRs are more cost effective when N95s are used as designed (single use) but mixed strategies minimize costs when N95s are reused (as practiced during shortages). Future research is needed on multicriteria analyses and to incorporate SARS-CoV-2 specific data to support future pandemic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceilidh Bray
- Dalhousie University, Industrial Engineering, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Peter T Vanberkel
- Dalhousie University, Industrial Engineering, PO BOX 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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3
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A Review of the Fabrication Methods, Testing, and Performance of Face Masks. INT J POLYM SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/2161869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement in the performance and compatibility of face masks has remained the focus of researchers in recent years, especially after the emergence of the COVID pandemic. Although a lot of progress in the design, tolerability, and comfort of the mask has been reported, there are certain limitations, requiring further improvement. The present review aims to highlight the filtration efficacy, comfort, and associated characteristic of various types of face masks and respirators as a function of their design and structure. In addition, the air pollutants, their adverse effects on health, certified respirators, and face masks are also discussed. The present review also provides an insight into different types of commercially available face masks in terms of their materials, filtration efficiency, and limitations. The role of emerging trends (such as nanotechnology and high-performance polymers) in the improvement and development of face masks and respirators is also discussed.
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Visualizing the Knowledge Base and Research Hotspot of Public Health Emergency Management: A Science Mapping Analysis-Based Study. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14127389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Public health emergency management has been one of the main challenges of social sustainable development since the beginning of the 21st century. Research on public health emergency management is becoming a common focus of scholars. In recent years, the literature associated with public health emergency management has grown rapidly, but few studies have used a bibliometric analysis and visualization approach to conduct deep mining and explore the characteristics of the public health emergency management research field. To better understand the present status and development of public health emergency management research, and to explore the knowledge base and research hotspots, the bibliometric method and science mapping technology were adopted to visually evaluate the knowledge structure and research trends in the field of public health emergency management studies. From 2000 to 2020, a total of 3723 papers related to public health emergency management research were collected from the Web of Science Core Collection as research data. The five main research directions formed are child prevention, mortality from public health events, public health emergency preparedness, public health emergency management, and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The current research hotspots and frontiers are climate change, COVID-19 and related coronaviruses. Further research is needed to focus on the COVID-19 and related coronaviruses. This study intends to contribute inclusive support to related academia and industry in the aspects of public health emergency management and public safety research, as well as research hotspots and future research directions.
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Ofstead CL, Hopkins KM, Smart AG, Brewer MK. Droplet dispersal in decontamination areas of instrument reprocessing suites. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:126-132. [PMID: 34865859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personnel working in sterile processing or endoscope reprocessing departments are at high risk of exposure to tissue, blood, and patient fluids when decontaminating reusable medical instruments and equipment. The effectiveness of protective measures for reprocessing personnel has not yet been systematically evaluated in real-world settings. OBJECTIVE This pilot project aimed to identify reprocessing activities that generate splashes, determine how far droplets can travel in decontamination areas, and assess personal protective equipment exposure during routine activities. METHODS Moisture-detection paper was affixed to environmental surfaces and personal protective equipment in a sterile processing department. Droplet dispersal was assessed after personnel simulated performance of routine reprocessing tasks. RESULTS Visible droplets were generated during every reprocessing activity except running the sonication sink. Droplets traveled at least 3 feet when filling a sink, brushing a ureteroscope, and using a power sprayer to rinse a basin. Some activities dispersed droplets up to 5 feet from the sink. Personal protective equipment was splashed during most activities and did not prevent skin exposure even when properly donned and doffed. CONCLUSION This hypothesis-generating pilot project found that routine reprocessing activities generated substantial splashing, and currently recommended personal protective equipment did not adequately protect sterile processing personnel from exposure.
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Fechter-Leggett ED, Fedan KB, Cox-Ganser JM, Meltzer MI, Adhikari BB, Dowell CH. Estimated N95 Respirator Needs for Nonhealthcare Essential Workers in the United States During Communicable Respiratory Infectious Disease Pandemics. Health Secur 2022; 20:127-136. [PMID: 35108104 PMCID: PMC9038697 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for N95 respirators far exceeded the supply, leading to widespread shortages. Initially, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not recommend N95 respirators in nonhealthcare settings, in order to reserve them for healthcare workers. As N95s became more available, the recommendations were updated in May 2021 to include N95 respirators for nonhealthcare settings. In this study, we estimated the numbers of N95s needed for nonhealthcare essential workers in the United States. This information is valuable for crisis preparedness and planning for future large-scale communicable respiratory infectious disease epidemics or pandemics. We adapted a spreadsheet-based tool originally built to estimate the potential demand for N95 respirators during an influenza pandemic. We defined nonhealthcare essential occupations according to the 2020 US Department of Homeland Security guidance and used US Bureau of Labor Statistics employment numbers and Occupational Information Network data as model parameters. We modeled minimum, intermediate, and maximum N95 provision scenarios (as 1, 2, and 5 N95 respirators, respectively) per week per worker, for pandemic durations of 15 and 40 weeks. For 85.15 million nonhealthcare essential workers during a 15-week pandemic, an estimated 1.3 billion N95 respirators would be needed under minimum provision scenarios, 2.6 billion for intermediate provision, and 6.4 billion for maximum provision. During a 40-week pandemic, these estimates increased to 3.4 billion, 6.8 billion, and 17 billion. Public health authorities and policymakers can use these estimates when considering workplace respirator-wearing practices, including prioritization of allocation, for nonhealthcare essential workers. Our novel spreadsheet-based tool can also be used to quickly generate estimates of other preparedness and response equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan D. Fechter-Leggett
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV
| | - Kathleen B. Fedan
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV
| | - Jean M. Cox-Ganser
- Respiratory Health Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morgantown, WV
| | - Martin I. Meltzer
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
| | - Bishwa B. Adhikari
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA
| | - Chad H. Dowell
- Emergency Preparedness and Response, NIOSH, CDC, Atlanta, GA
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Cohen ER, Peña S, Misztal C, Iglesias T, Alejandro M, Dinh CT, Holt G, Thomas GR. N95 vs Half-face Respirator Wear in Surgical Trainees: Physiologic and Psychological Effects of Prolonged Use. OTO Open 2021; 5:2473974X211065437. [PMID: 34926978 PMCID: PMC8671672 DOI: 10.1177/2473974x211065437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives As specialists of the upper airway, otolaryngologists are at high risk for COVID-19 transmission. N95 and half-face respirator (HFR) masks are commonly worn, each with advantages in functionality and comfort. In this study, physiologic and psychological parameters of prolonged N95 vs HFR wear were compared. Study Design Prospective crossover cohort study. Setting Single academic tertiary care hospital. Methods A prospective crossover cohort study was performed. Healthy otolaryngology trainees and medical students (N = 23) participated and wore N95 and HFR masks continuously for 3 hours each on separate days. Various measures were analyzed: vitals, spirometry variables, scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and HIT-6 (Headache Impact Test-6), distress, and "difficulty being understood." Results The average age was 26.3 years (SD, 3.42). There were no significant differences in vital signs and spirometry variables between N95 and HFR wear. N95 wear was associated with decreases in oxygen saturation of approximately 1.09% more than with HFRs (95% CI, 0.105-2.077). State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores increased more with HFR wear when compared with mean changes with N95 wear (95% CI, 1.350-8.741). There were no significant differences in HIT-6 scores or distress levels between masks. The proportions of participants reporting difficulty being understood was significantly higher with HFRs. Conclusions Oxygen saturation decreases with prolonged N95 wear, but anxiety and difficulty being understood are greater with HFR wear. Although HFRs have less resistance to gas exchange, N95 respirators may produce less anxiety and distress in clinical situations. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical significance of these differences. Level of Evidence 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Cohen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Stefanie Peña
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Carly Misztal
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Thomas Iglesias
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mantero Alejandro
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christine T Dinh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gregory Holt
- Department of Pulmonology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Giovana R Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Ochoa-Leite C, Bento J, Rocha DR, Vasques I, Cunha R, Oliveira Á, Rocha L. Occupational management of healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:359-365. [PMID: 34415346 PMCID: PMC8499793 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The year 2020 was marked by the new coronavirus pandemic, resulting in millions of cases and deaths, placing healthcare workers at high risk of infection. AIMS The aim of this study was to describe the role of an occupational health service during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in an oncologic hospital and characterize the most likely sources of viral infection. METHODS The information of all healthcare workers with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from 11 March to 15 December 2020 was collected through an epidemiological survey conducted during contact tracing. The data extracted included gender, age, comorbidities, occupational group, source of infection, clinical presentation, duration of the disease, need for hospitalization and persistent or late symptoms after disease or upon returning to work. RESULTS Out of a total of 2300 workers, 157 were infected, consisting of nurses (36%), nurse assistants (33%) and diagnostic and therapeutic professionals (10%). Physicians and administrative staff accounted for 8% each. The most frequently reported source of infection was occupational (43%), owing to worker-to-worker transmission (45%) and patient-to-worker transmission (36%). The most frequent moments of infection perceived corresponded to the removal of protective equipment during meals and moments of rest in the staff and changing rooms. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that occupational transmission from patients and colleagues might be an important source of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers. Spread between colleagues accounted for 45% of the occupational source infections reported. Implementing physical distancing measures and limiting the number of people in changing and rest rooms could significantly reduce infection and related absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ochoa-Leite
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal.,FMUP-Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Bento
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | - D R Rocha
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | - I Vasques
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | - R Cunha
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | - Á Oliveira
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | - L Rocha
- IPO Porto-Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
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9
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Romeu-Labayen M, Tort-Nasarre G, Alvarez B, Subias-Miquel M, Vázquez-Segura E, Marre D, Galbany-Estragués P. Spanish nurses' experiences with personal protective equipment and perceptions of risk of contagion from COVID-19: A qualitative rapid appraisal. J Clin Nurs 2021; 31:2154-2166. [PMID: 34528310 PMCID: PMC8662180 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJETIVES Explore nurses' experiences and perception of risk regarding the use of personal protective equipment during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. BACKGROUND The contribution of our study is to use qualitative methods to understand nurses' experiences and perceptions of the risk of the contagion linked to the shortage of PPE during the first wave of the pandemic, whose explosive start strained health systems around the globe. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive design according to the Rapid Research Evaluation and Appraisal model. METHODS Semi-structured videoconference interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of 29 nurses including staff nurses, nursing supervisors and nursing directors from hospital and community services of the Spanish health system. Interviews lasted 30-45 min and were conducted in May 2020. We carried out a thematic analysis using Dedoose. The COREQ checklist was used to report findings. RESULTS We identified the following themes and subthemes: 1. Experiences with personal protective equipment: scarcity, inequality, reutilization, self-protection, delegation of responsibility, and gap between protocols and reality; 2. Perception of the risk of contagion: lack of credibility, lack of trust, lack of support, and meeting subjective needs. CONCLUSIONS The scarcity of personal protective equipment and inequality in its distribution led nurses to take initiatives to feel more protected. Mid-ranking supervisors were caught between the responsibility of monitoring and rationing personal protective equipment and providing the necessary protection to nurses. The disjuncture between protocols and the available supply of personal protective equipment caused confusion. Lack of credibility, lack of trust and lack of support from management influenced participants' perception of the risk of contagion. Mid-ranking supervisors were often responsible for trying to alleviate fear among nursing staff. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Understanding the factors involved in risk perception can be helpful to decision-makers who help protect nurses in clinical practice. These results can help administrators and policymakers because they point to the need for nurses to feel that their departments and centers look after their safety at work. Transparent communication and emotional support may contribute to their well-being in the face of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romeu-Labayen
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Spain
| | - Glòria Tort-Nasarre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Health Education Research Group (GREpS), Faculty of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,Anoia Primary Care Service, Gerència Territorial Catalunya Central, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), St. Fruitós del Bages, Spain
| | - Bruna Alvarez
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Martí Subias-Miquel
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Eva Vázquez-Segura
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Mother-Infant Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Manso's Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Center, Gerència Territorial Barcelona, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Marre
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Paola Galbany-Estragués
- AFIN Research Group and Outreach Centre, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.,Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVIC-UCC), Vic, Spain
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10
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Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Healthcare Settings during COVID-19: Strategies for Protecting Staff, Patients and Visitors. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 17:e48. [PMID: 34517932 PMCID: PMC8523969 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has profoundly impacted almost every aspect of healthcare systems worldwide, placing the health and safety of frontline healthcare workers at risk, and it still continues to remain an important public health challenge. Several hospitals have put in place strategies to manage space, staff, and supplies in order to continue to deliver optimum care to patients while at the same time protecting the health and safety of staff and patients. However, the emergence of the second and third waves of the virus with the influx of new cases continue to add an additional level of complexity to the already challenging situation of containing the spread and lowering the rate of transmission, thus pushing healthcare systems to the limit. In this narrative review paper, we describe various strategies including administrative controls, environmental controls, and use of personal protective equipment, implemented by occupational health and safety departments for the protection of healthcare workers, patients, and visitors from SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The protection and safeguard of the health and safety of healthcare workers and patients through the implementation of effective infection control measures, adequate management of possible outbreaks and minimization of the risk of nosocomial transmission is an important and effective strategy of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic management in any healthcare facility. High quality patient care hinges on ensuring that the care providers are well protected and supported so they can provide the best quality of care to their patients.
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Uppal T, Khazaieli A, Snijders AM, Verma SC. Inactivation of Human Coronavirus by FATHHOME's Dry Sanitizer Device: Rapid and Eco-Friendly Ozone-Based Disinfection of SARS-CoV-2. Pathogens 2021; 10:339. [PMID: 33799334 PMCID: PMC8002133 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Pertaining to its high transmissibility and wide host adaptability, this unique human coronavirus spread across the planet inflicting 115 million people and causing 2.5 million deaths (as of March 3rd, 2021). Limited or negligible pre-existing immunity to multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants has resulted in severe morbidity and mortality worldwide, as well as a record-breaking surge in the use of medical-surgical supplies and personal protective equipment. In response to the global need for effective sterilization techniques, this study evaluated the virucidal efficacy of FATHHOME's self-contained, ozone-based dry-sanitizing device, by dose and time response assessment. We tested inactivation of human coronavirus, HCoV-OC43, a close genetic model of SARS-CoV-2, on porous (N95 filtering facepiece respirator/FFR) and nonporous (glass) surfaces. We started our assays with 20 ppm-10 min ozone exposure, and effectively reduced 99.8% and 99.9% of virus from glass and N95 FFR surfaces, respectively. Importantly, the virus was completely inactivated, below the detection limit (over 6-log10 reduction) with 25 ppm-15 min ozone exposure on both tested surfaces. As expected, a higher ozone exposure (50 ppm-10 min) resulted in faster inactivation of HCoV-OC43 with 100% inactivation from both the surfaces, with no residual ozone present after completion of the 5-min post exposure recapture cycle and no measurable increase in ambient ozone levels. These results confirmed that FATHHOME's device is suitable for rapid decontamination of SARS-CoV-2- from worn items, frequently touched items, and PPE including N95 FFRs, face shields, and other personal items.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timsy Uppal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA;
| | - Amir Khazaieli
- FATHHOME, INC., 8000 Edgewater Drive Suite #200, Oakland, CA 94621, USA;
| | - Antoine M. Snijders
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Biological Systems and Engineering Division, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| | - Subhash C. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Reno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, 1664 N Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557, USA;
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Abstract
The availability of resources and their concentration in the place of greatest need, will not allow us to successfully overcome a medical surge without the energy required to activate these resources and activities, and increase their quantities if necessary, that is why the staff and management of healthcare institutions are forced to making ethical crisis decisions about who wins and who loses. This study highlights the versatility of the concept of ‘energy’ by attributing it to money or financial resources, which are highly essential in dealing with surges as the healthcare system adopts the appropriate capacity level. This study considers the means (space, staff, supplies, and specific resources) at the disposal of healthcare institutions for the control of diseases as economic resources to identify ways for enhancing their capacity, especially during periods of medical surges such as that caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The medical resources are dependent on ‘energy’, albeit not in the strictest sense of the term. The article, thus, points out that while limited resources are the norm in economic theory, a medical surge provides an opportunity to sufficiently extend the resources within the health system capacity through increased funding.
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13
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Greenawald LA, Haas EJ, D’Alessandro MM. Elastomeric Half Mask Respirators: An Alternative to Disposable Respirators and a Solution to Shortages during Public Health Emergencies. JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION 2021; 38:74-91. [PMID: 36789352 PMCID: PMC9924972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
During public health emergencies such as an influenza pandemic, disposable filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) shortages have a significant impact on the national response, affecting many types of workplaces that rely on respiratory protection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, severe FFR shortages led the CDC to publish strategies for optimizing the supply of N95 FFRs. These strategies included the extended use and limited reuse of FFRs, wearing decontaminated FFRs, wearing respirators that meet an international respirator standard, or wearing FFRs that were past their manufacturer-designated shelf life. An additional strategy to mitigate supply shortages that was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic was to wear reusable respirators, such as elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMRs), or powered air-purifying respirators, which can be cleaned, disinfected, and reused. A decade of nationwide initiatives to increase the utility of EHMRs in healthcare settings were realized during the COVID-19 pandemic as EHMRs became more well-known and were used in healthcare settings for respiratory protection. This expanded use of EHMRs led to an increase in federal procurement, research, guidance, and private sector research and development of innovative EHMR designs by manufacturers to respond to workers' needs for both respiratory protection and source control. This paper describes the role of reusable EHMRs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reviews past and current research, to inform successful EHMR implementation in healthcare and first responder settings.
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14
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One for Everyone: A Study of User Satisfaction Among Health-Care Providers Regarding Extended Use of N95 Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2020; 16:619-626. [PMID: 33040770 PMCID: PMC7737120 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of extended use of N95 masks in our hospital during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We also studied the use pattern, user satisfaction, and issues faced during extended use of the mask. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among health-care providers in a large tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India from April 1 to May 31, 2020. A list was prepared from the institute’s register, and participants were chosen by random sampling. The data collected from the physical forms were transferred to excel sheets. Results: A total of 1121 responses were received. The most common problem stated with reuse of N95 masks was loss of fit followed by damage to the slings, highlighted by 44.6% and 44.4% of the participants, respectively. A total of 476 (42.5%) participants responded that they would prefer “cup-shaped N95 mask with respirator”. The median scores regarding the satisfaction with the quality of masks and their fit was also 4 each. Conclusions: It was concluded that the extended use of N95 masks was acceptable, with more than 96% of the participants using these masks.
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