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HALO CleanSpace PAPR evaluation: Communication, respiratory protection, and usability.


ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate a relatively new half-face-piece powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) device called the HALO (CleanSpace). We assessed its communication performance, its degree of respiratory protection, and its usability and comfort level.

Design and setting

This simulation study was conducted at the simulation center of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Participants

In total, 8 voluntary healthcare workers participated in the study: 4 women and 4 men comprising 3 nursing staff and 5 medical staff.

Methods

We performed the modified rhyme test, outlined by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), for the communication assessment. We conducted quantitative fit test and simulated workplace protection factor studies to assess the degree of respiratory protection for participants at rest, during, and immediately after performing chest compression. We also invited the participants to complete a usability and comfort survey.

Results

The HALO PAPR met the NIOSH minimum standard for speech intelligibility, which was significantly improved with the addition of wireless communication headsets. The HALO provided consistent and adequate level of respiratory protection at rest, during and after chest compression regardless of the device power mode. It was rated favorably for its usability and comfort. However, participants criticized doffing difficulty and perceived communication interference.

Conclusions

The HALO device can be considered as an alternative to a filtering face-piece respirator. Thorough doffing training and mitigation planning to improve the device communication performance are recommended. Further research is required to examine its clinical outcomes and barriers that may potentially affect patient or healthcare worker safety.

SUBMITTER: Ng I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9929704 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

HALO CleanSpace PAPR evaluation: Communication, respiratory protection, and usability.

Ng Irene I   Lee Keat K   Kave Benjamin B   Kluger Michael M   Paynter Camille C   Segal Reny R   Krieser Roni Benjamin RB   Mezzavia Paul Mario PM   Hung Shan S   Chen Yinwei Y   Sindoni Teresa T   Williams Daryl Lindsay DL  

Infection control and hospital epidemiology 20220401 2


<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate a relatively new half-face-piece powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) device called the HALO (CleanSpace). We assessed its communication performance, its degree of respiratory protection, and its usability and comfort level.<h4>Design and setting</h4>This simulation study was conducted at the simulation center of the Royal Melbourne Hospital.<h4>Participants</h4>In total, 8 voluntary healthcare workers participated in the study: 4 women and 4 men comprising 3 nur  ...[more]

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