Use of Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator in the Clinical Care Environment: Health Care Worker Perceptions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMR) reduce health care workers' exposure to airborne hazards including bioaerosols but have primarily been used in the industrial setting.

Purpose

To assess health care workers' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences wearing EHMRs in a clinical environment.

Methods

Employees within a single health care system who wore the EHMR continuously during their shift completed an investigator developed survey. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used.

Results

Of the 8273 EHMR "fit-tested" eligible employees, 1478 met inclusion criteria and participated. Respondents reported that they felt well protected with the EHMR and confident in their care and maintenance of the EHMR. Although skin changes developed, th

SUBMITTER: Bryant RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10655906 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature