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. 2022 Sep 1;64(9):802-807.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002611. Epub 2022 Jun 14.

Characteristics Associated With Health Care Worker Knowledge and Confidence in Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator Use

Paul Thurman  1 , Eileen Zhuang, Hegang H Chen, Caitlin McClain, Margaret Sietsema, Rohan Fernando, Melissa A McDiarmid, Stella E Hines
Affiliations

Characteristics Associated With Health Care Worker Knowledge and Confidence in Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator Use

Paul Thurman et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated health care workers' (HCWs') knowledge and confidence in using elastomeric half-mask respirator (EHMR) attributes known to influence usage.

Methods: Health care workers were surveyed regarding their EHMR donning and doffing experience. Respondents were categorized into competency categories based on their scores. Category differences were analyzed using χ 2 and multiple logistic regression.

Results: Seventy-two percent showed high levels of EHMR donning and doffing knowledge and confidence (mastery); however, 21% had greater confidence than knowledge (misinformed). Respiratory therapists had greater odds of mastery than other HCWs ( P < 0.05), whereas those working in medical/surgical and pediatric units had greater odds of doubt than other HCWs ( P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Although most HCWs show high knowledge and confidence with EHMR use, strategies to confirm respirator use competency may ensure greater HCWs protection.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Dr. Hines receives research funding to her institution from the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CleanSpace Technology, a respirator manufacturer for a different research study. One of her family members works as a trainer for a respirator manufacturer of a different respirator style than that described in the paper. Caitlin McClain is part of the team from NIOSH/NPPTL that contracted the lead author to gather data and take point on publications.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
A two-dimensional information-referenced assessment of an individual's correctness in their knowledge and their confidence in this correctness of EHMR donning and doffing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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