Prospective observational study of gender and ethnicity biases in respiratory protective equipment for healthcare workers in the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To describe success rates of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing and factors associated with achieving suitable fit.

Design

Prospective observational study of RPE fit testing according to health and safety, and occupational health requirements.

Setting

A large tertiary referral UK healthcare facility.

Population

1443 healthcare workers undergoing quantitative fit testing.

Main outcome measures

Quantitative fit test success (pass/fail) and the count of tests each participant required before successful fit.

Results

Healthcare workers were fit tested a median (IQR) 2 (1-3) times before successful fit was obtained. Males were tested a median 1 (1-2) times, while females were tested a median 2 (1-2) times before a successful fi

SUBMITTER: Carvalho CYM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8141377 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature