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Hackett L, Zhang MM, Casey M, Miller J, Smith J, Low C, Aldridge E, Owen PJ, Buntine P. N-95/P2 respirator compliance with fit testing recommendations and respirator satisfaction amongst hospital staff. Infect Dis Health 2024:S2468-0451(24)00023-3. [PMID: 38702235 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2024.04.001] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) are an important and readily scalable infection control measure; however their effectiveness is ultimately determined by compliance. We aimed to examine staff compliance and satisfaction with wearing the N95/P2 FFRs assigned to them via the standardised fit testing protocol implemented in a single large healthcare network in Victoria, Australia. METHODS In this cross-sectional survey, employees from five hospital campuses who participated in the health networks N95/P2 FFR fit testing process were invited in person to participate in the study. Data were analysed descriptively, after which chi-squared analysis was performed to determine differences between respirator types, gender, and age groups. RESULTS Amongst the 258 staff members surveyed, 28% had either never or only sometimes worn an FFR to which they had been successfully fit tested, and 11% had experienced facial changes that potentially rendered their most recent fit test invalid. More than half (53%) of those surveyed had experienced side effects, the most common being skin irritation and pressure sores. A majority (87%) of staff felt that wearing an FFR had some impact on their ability to perform their duties. Pooled mean self-reported satisfaction ratings were highest for three-panel flat-fold and duckbill models. CONCLUSION 28% of HCWs surveyed described not wearing N-95/P2 FFRs for which they had successfully been fit tested. Reasons for non-compliance remain unclear, but rates of side effects and interference with duties were high. Further research is required to determine and address potential causative factors and ascertain ongoing optimal organisation-level fit test strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Hackett
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Melanie Meilun Zhang
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of General Surgery, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Casey
- OHS, Emergency Management and Wellbeing, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Miller
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jesse Smith
- Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caitlin Low
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Anaesthesia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emogene Aldridge
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick J Owen
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Buntine
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Williams DL, Kave B, Bodas C, Roberts M, Ng I. Magnetic resonance imaging respirators: a randomized crossover trial to assess respiratory protection, usability, and comfort. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2024; 4:e65. [PMID: 38698951 PMCID: PMC11062788 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2024.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective Many available facepiece filtering respirators contain ferromagnetic components, which may cause significant problems in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment. We conducted a randomized crossover trial to assess the effectiveness, usability, and comfort of 3 types of respirators, judged to be "conditionally MRI safe" with an aluminum nosepiece (Halyard 46727 duckbill-type respirators and Care Essentials MSK-002 bifold cup-type respirators) or "MRI safe" completely metal free (Eagle AG2200 semirigid cup-type respirators). Design and setting We recruited 120 participants to undergo a quantitative fit test (QNFT) on each of the 3 respirators in a randomized order. Participants then completed a usability and comfort assessment of each respirator. Results There were significant differences in the QNFT pass rates (51% for Halyard 46727, 73% for Care Essentials MSK-002, and 86% for Eagle AG2200, P < .001). The first-time fit test pass rate and overall fit factor were significantly higher for Eagle AG2200 compared with the other 2 respirators. Eagle AG2200 scored the lowest ratings in the ease of use and overall comfort. There were no significant differences in other modalities, including the seal rating, breathability, firmness, and overall assessment. Conclusions Our study supports the utility of the Eagle AG2200 and Care Essentials MSK-002 respirators for healthcare professionals working in an MRI environment, based on their high QNFT pass rates and reasonably good overall usability and comfort scores. Eagle AG2200 is unique because of its metal-free construction. However, its comparatively lower usability and comfort ratings raise questions about practicality, which may be improved by greater user training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Lindsay Williams
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin Kave
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles Bodas
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Roberts
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Irene Ng
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Williams DL, Kave B, Bodas C, Begg F, Roberts M, Ng I. Prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic-band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare workers. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:89-95. [PMID: 37435792 PMCID: PMC10782203 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To undertake a healthcare-based multimodal evaluation of the combination of filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) with the elastic-band beard cover technique, including quantitative fit test (QNFT) results, skills assessment, and usability assessment. DESIGN AND SETTING We conducted a prospective study through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from May 2022 to January 2023. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare workers who required respiratory protection and could not shave for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. INTERVENTION Online education and personal face-to-face training on the use of FFR with the elastic-band beard cover technique. RESULTS Among 87 participants (median beard length 38 mm; interquartile range [IQR], 20-80), 86 (99%) passed 3 QNFTs consecutively with the elastic-band beard cover under a Trident P2 respirator and 68 (78%) passed 3 QNFTs consecutively with a 3M 1870+ Aura respirator. The first QNFT pass rate and the overall fit factors were significantly higher when using the technique than without the elastic-band beard cover. Most participants displayed a high skill level in their donning, doffing, and user seal-check techniques. Of 87 participants, 83 (95%) completed the usability assessment. The overall ease of use, comfort, and overall assessment were rated highly. CONCLUSIONS The elastic-band beard cover technique can provide safe and effective respiratory protection for bearded healthcare workers. The technique was easily taught, comfortable, well tolerated and accepted by healthcare workers, potentially allowing them full participation in the workforce during pandemics with airborne transmission. We recommend further research and evaluation of this technique in a broader health workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Lindsay Williams
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Kave
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Charles Bodas
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Begg
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Roberts
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Irene Ng
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Zhang M(M, Hackett L, Smith J, Pritchard Z, Casey M, Low C, Buntine P. Striving to be the fittest: quantitative P2/N95 respirator fit test results among hospital staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP & HEALTHCARE EPIDEMIOLOGY : ASHE 2023; 3:e233. [PMID: 38156215 PMCID: PMC10753470 DOI: 10.1017/ash.2023.503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective To provide fit rates for specific P2/N95 respirators and compare these results by age, sex, clean-shaven status, and fit tester experience. Design Exploratory audit involving secondary analysis of existing quantitative fit testing data. Setting In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare services across Australia implemented respiratory protection protocols. This study details healthcare workers' (HCWs) fit testing results from a large Victorian public health service. Participants Fit-tested employees of a large tertiary public health network. Methods Fit rates for ten individual P2/N95 respirators were calculated, and the effect of age, sex, clean-shaven status, and fit tester experience was examined via logistic regression. Results 4593 employees were included, with 97.98% successfully fitting at least one respirator. Males were found to have significantly increased odds of achieving fit success compared to females (OR 11.61 95%CI 1.60-84.10). Fit rates dropped by 4% with each 1-year age increase (OR 0.96 95%CI 0.94-0.98). Clean-shaven individuals were also more likely to achieve a fit compared to non-clean-shaved individuals (OR 79.23 95%CI 10.21-614.62). More experienced fit testers also yielded significantly higher fit rates (OR 3.95, 95%CI 2.34-6.67). Conclusions 98% of staff achieved a successful fitting of at least one respirator, with three-panel flat fold models (Industree Trident, 3M Aura 9320A+, and 3M Aura 1870+) performing the most consistently. An individual's ability to achieve a successful fit was associated with; male sex, younger age, clean-shaven status, and fit tester experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie (Meilun) Zhang
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of General Surgery, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liam Hackett
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jesse Smith
- Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zoe Pritchard
- Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Australia
- Genitourinary Medicine, Chalmers Centre, NHS Lothian, Scotland
| | - Matthew Casey
- OHS, Emergency Management and Wellbeing, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caitlin Low
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anaesthesia, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anaesthesia, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Buntine
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Eastern Health Emergency Medicine Program, Melbourne, Australia
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Harber P, Beckett WS. Health effects of filtering facepiece respirators: Research and clinical implications of comfort, thermal, skin, psychologic, and workplace effects. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:1017-1032. [PMID: 37702368 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Filtering facepiece respirators (FFR's) such as N95s have become widely used in appropriate settings for personal respiratory protection and are increasingly used beyond workplace settings. Concerns about possible adverse effects have appeared in many publications, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic led to much more widespread use. This paper synthesizes known effects based upon review of publications in PubMed since 1995, addressing effects other than pulmonary and cardiovascular (reviewed elsewhere). Findings: (1) Subjective discomfort is very frequently reported; this includes general discomfort or organ-system-specific complaints such as respiratory, headache, dermatologic, and heat. Research methods are widely divergent, and we propose a taxonomy to classify such studies by methodology, study population (subjects, experimental vs. observational methodology, comparator, specificity, and timeframe) to facilitate synthesis. (2) Objective measures of increased heat and humidity within the mask are well documented. (3) Frequency and characteristics of dermatologic effects have been insufficiently evaluated. (4) Physical mask designs are varied, making generalizations challenging. (5) More studies of impact on work performance and communication are needed. (6) Studies of effect of FFR design and accompanying training materials on ease and consistency of use are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Harber
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - William S Beckett
- Mount Auburn Hospital (Emeritus Status), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Khairul Hasni NA, Ismail R, Muhamad Robat R, Mohamad N, Suib FA, Pahrol MA, Mahmud H, Osman B, Lim YC, Seman Z, Shaharudin R. The effect of N95 designs on respirator fit and its associations with gender and facial dimensions. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288105. [PMID: 38019763 PMCID: PMC10686483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the association of various brands of NIOSH-certified N95 filtering face-piece respirators (FFR) fit with facial dimensions and gender. One hundred and thirty-five participants (77 females and 58 males) were recruited from the previous facial anthropometry study among Malaysians in 2020. Quantitative respirator fit testing of six FFR were performed using the TSI Portacount Pro+ 8038 which comprised of four exercises (bending over, talking, up-down head movement, and side to side head movement). An overall fit factor (FF) of ≥ 100 was considered a pass for each FFR. Analysis was done using T-test, Pearson's correlations, and generalised linear regression. The passing rates for the six FFR were 36.3% (Cup B), 50.4% (Trifold A), 54.1% (Duckbill A), 57.0% (Cup A), 74.1% (Trifold B), and 83.7% (Duckbill B). Both Duckbill B and Trifold B had the highest passing rates for both genders. However, certain FFR models (Cup B, Trifold A, Trifold B, and Duckbill A) fit better for participants with large facial size who were mostly males, while others (Cup A and Duckbill B) specifically fit better for those with small facial size, who were mostly females. This study showed significant positive effect of nose protrusion, nasal root and subnasale-sellion and the negative effect of menton-sellion, bigonial breadth and nose breadth on fit factors of various FFR. The results of this study emphasized the importance of choosing and designing FFR based on local anthropometry data, with careful consideration on the dimensions that affect the respirator fit. Since N95 are commonly used in the healthcare settings to prevent airborne transmission, the practice of respirator fit testing and selecting N95 with high passing rates for healthcare workers need to be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Amalina Khairul Hasni
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Rohaida Ismail
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Rosnawati Muhamad Robat
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Nadia Mohamad
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Fatin Amirah Suib
- Infectious Disease Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Alfatih Pahrol
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Haalah Mahmud
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia
| | - Baderin Osman
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia
| | - Yin Cheng Lim
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zamtira Seman
- Sector for Biostatistics & Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
| | - Rafiza Shaharudin
- Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
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Chapman D, Strong C, Tiver KD, Dharmaprani D, Jenkins E, Ganesan AN. Infra-Red Imaging to Detect Respirator Leak in Healthcare Workers During Fit-Testing Clinic. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 5:198-204. [PMID: 38606401 PMCID: PMC11008797 DOI: 10.1109/ojemb.2023.3330292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study addressed the problem of objectively detecting leaks in P2 respirators at point of use, an essential component for healthcare workers' protection. To achieve this, we explored the use of infra-red (IR) imaging combined with machine learning algorithms on the thermal gradient across the respirator during inhalation. RESULTS The study achieved high accuracy in predicting pass or fail outcomes of quantitative fit tests for flat-fold P2 FFRs. The IR imaging methods surpassed the limitations of self fit-checking. CONCLUSIONS The integration of machine learning and IR imaging on the respirator itself demonstrates promise as a more reliable alternative for ensuring the proper fit of P2 respirators. This innovative approach opens new avenues for technology application in occupational hygiene and emphasizes the need for further validation across diverse respirator styles. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our novel approach leveraging infra-red imaging and machine learning to detect P2 respirator leaks represents a critical advancement in occupational safety and healthcare workers' protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Chapman
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
- Medical Device Research InstituteFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
| | - Campbell Strong
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
- Medical Device Research InstituteFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
| | - Kathryn D Tiver
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
| | - Dhani Dharmaprani
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
| | - Even Jenkins
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
| | - Anand N Ganesan
- College of Medicine and Public HealthFlinders UniversityAdelaideSA5042Australia
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Fakherpour A, Jahangiri M, Jansz J. A systematic review of passing fit testing of the masks and respirators used during the COVID-19 pandemic: Part 1-quantitative fit test procedures. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293129. [PMID: 37883443 PMCID: PMC10602271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During respiratory infection pandemics, masks and respirators are highly sought after, especially for frontline healthcare workers and patients carrying respiratory viruses. The objective of this study was to systematically review fit test pass rates and identify factors influencing the fitting characteristics. METHODS Potentially relevant studies were identified using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct during the COVID-19 pandemic from February 5, 2020, to March 21, 2023. The search strategy using the following keywords was conducted: Quantitative Fit Test, Condensation Nuclei Counter, Controlled Negative Pressure, PortaCount, Sibata, Accufit, Fit, Seal, Mask, Respirator, Respiratory Protective Device, Respiratory Protective Equipment, Protective Device, Personal Protective Equipment, COVID-19, Coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2. The quality of the included studies was also assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. RESULTS A total of 137 articles met the eligibility criteria. Fifty articles had a quality score of less than 7 (good quality). A total of 21 studies had a fit test pass rate of less than 50%. 26 studies on disposable respirators and 11 studies on reusable respirators had an FF of less than 50 and less than 200, respectively. The most influential factors include respirator brand/model, style, gender, ethnicity, facial dimensions, facial hair, age, reuse, extensive movement, seal check, comfort and usability assessment, and training. CONCLUSION 37.36% of the disposable respirator studies and 43% of the reusable respirator studies did not report fit test results. 67.86% of the disposable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 35.84% of these studies had an FF greater than 100. Also, 85.71% of the reusable respirator studies had a fit test pass rate greater than 50%, and 52.77% of these studies had an FF greater than 1000. Overall, the fit test pass rate was relatively acceptable. Newly developed or modified respirators must undergo reliable testing to ensure the protection of HCWs. Subject and respirator characteristics should be considered when implementing fit testing protocols. An optimal fit test panel should be developed prior to respirator design, certification, procurement decisions, and selection procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Fakherpour
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jahangiri
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Research Center for Health Sciences, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Janis Jansz
- School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Ajith Kumar AK, Nikhil N. Innovations with Validation: An Ingenious Way Forward? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023; 27:377-378. [PMID: 37378363 PMCID: PMC10291659 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10071-24478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
How to cite this article: Ajith Kumar AK, Nikhil N. Innovations with Validation: An Ingenious Way Forward? Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(6):377-378.
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Affiliation(s)
- AK Ajith Kumar
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - N Nikhil
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Williams DL, Kave B, Bodas C, Begg F, Roberts M, Ng I. Protocol of a prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281152. [PMID: 36719896 PMCID: PMC9888701 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals who are unable to be clean shaven for religious, medical or cultural reasons are unable to wear a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR), as the respirator cannot provide adequate protection against aerosol-transmissible diseases. There is currently a paucity of validated techniques to ensure the safe inclusion of bearded healthcare workers in the pandemic workforce. We propose to undertake a healthcare-based multi-modal evaluation study on the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique, examining the quantitative fit test (QNFT) results, usability and skill level of participants with repeated assessments over time. This is a prospective study conducted through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Healthcare workers are invited to participate if they require respiratory protection and cannot shave for religious, cultural or medical reasons. An online education package on the use of respiratory protective equipment and the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique is provided. This is followed by a face-to-face session, where the participant will receive: one-on-one training; undergo a skill assessment on their donning, doffing and user seal check techniques; complete QNFTs and a usability survey. Participants will be invited to repeat the assessment within 3 months of the first session and at 12 months. This study involves multimodal and repeated assessments of an elastic band beard cover for FFRs. The findings of this study will provide information on: whether this simple technique can provide safe, consistent and effective respiratory protection; whether it will interfere with occupational activities; and whether it is comfortable and tolerable for the duration of wear. This is of significant importance to the health workforce around the world, who cannot shave but require access to respiratory protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl Lindsay Williams
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin Kave
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Charles Bodas
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Fiona Begg
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Megan Roberts
- Respiratory Protection Program, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Irene Ng
- Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Peters MDJ. N95 respirators for health care workers: the importance of fit, comfort, and usability. Med J Aust 2022; 217:83-84. [PMID: 35712849 PMCID: PMC9349611 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Micah DJ Peters
- University of South Australia and Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre Adelaide SA
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (Federal Office) Melbourne VIC
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