Authors (including presenting author) :
Lau KK(1), Fung SK(1), Lau KY(1), Lai ECH(1), Tang CN(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health threat and continues to expand globally. Endoscopic procedures pose a transmission risk to the physicians, nurses and allied health staff involved. In critical period, hospitals faced a shortage of supply of filtering face-piece respirators (FFRs) and looked for alternative strategies. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), elastomeric respirators can be considered to provide respiratory protection to healthcare workers. As a result, a study was conducted to evaluate the initial experience of using reusable respirator in endoscopy centre.
Objectives :
To evaluate and compare the efficacy of traditional FFRs and reusable elastomeric respirator.
Methodology :
A one-group multiple comparison design experimental study was employed in using traditional FFRs and elastomeric respirators. The efficacy of respirator was evaluated in five perceptions, including mask fitness, protectiveness, impact on work performance, physical exertion and satisfaction. Each parameter was rated by a ten-point scale. The trial commenced after the training and fit test of 3M 6800 with P100 filter. The participates performed at least one endoscopic procedure while wearing the 3M 6800 respirator with P100 filter.
Result & Outcome :
In total, 10 nurses, 4 physician and 2 patient care assistants participated in this trial. No association was found between the specific variables (age, gender, rank and clinical experience) and the efficacy of respirators. There are no significant statistical differences in all five perceptions when comparing with tradition FFRs and elastomeric respirator (P>0.05) except the effective communication and ease in talking (p< 0.01).
Personal protection equipment shortages have emerged as a key issue in the COVID19 pandemic. The study indicates that 3M 6800 respirator with P100 filter can be an alternative during the shortage of traditional FFRs. As a whole, the results were encouraging and use of reusable elastomeric respirator can be promoted in other units during the pandemic. Larger scale study on cost and quantitative fit factors is suggested for further evaluation.
