Effect of Clear vs Standard Covered Masks on Communication With Patients During Surgical Clinic Encounters: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing masks has become necessary, especially within health care. However, to our knowledge, the consequences of mask wearing on communication between surgeons and patients have not been studied.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of clear vs standard covered masks on communication during surgical clinic encounters.

Design

This randomized clinical trial examined communication between surgeons and their patients when surgeons wore clear vs covered masks in surgical outpatient clinics at a single academic medical center. New patients were recruited from participating surgeons' clinic schedules.

Interventions

Surgeons wore either clear masks or covered masks for each clinic visit with a new patient, based on a per-visit ran

SUBMITTER: Kratzke IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7953334 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature