Miss Diana Lee1, Professor Anastasia (Ana) Hutchinson2, Dr Damien Khaw2
1Epworth HealthCare, Richmond, Australia
2Deakin University, Burwood, Australia
Methods: We fit-tested 1,970 healthcare workers in two phases. Phase 1: users were fit-tested with the three models with the greatest availability. Phase 2: if the healthcare worker failed to obtain a proper seal in phase 1, fit-testing continued using remaining respirator models. The test stopped when at least two fit seals were obtained.
Results: Rates of success varied, likely due to different demographic characteristics, fit testing staff, skill sets and the patterns of mask availability over time. Staff who failed fit-testing with all the available masks were fit-tested on the CleanSpace Halo. If staff failed fit-testing on the CleanSpace halo, they would be seconded to a non-Covid area. Various risk factors for not getting a good seal include facial shape and features, and beard or facial hair.
Conclusion: Fit-testing data will continue to be used to monitor and identify the optimal type and volume of N95 masks for purchase and avoid suboptimal design. Staff must continue to undergo appropriate PPE education and perform high-quality fit-checks to ensure adequate mask seals.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant risks of exposure to healthcare workers. Fit-checking N95 masks occurred during the first pandemic wave (2020). However, high rates of subsequent infections in healthcare workers suggested suboptimal mask-fit quality. Since the second pandemic wave (2021), fit-testing was recommended for all healthcare staff. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the prevalence of satisfactory fit-testing outcomes. These data will be used to inform the type and volume of respirators to purchase.
Biography: In 2020, Diana was seconded as the Fit Testing Lead and the PPE Coordinator at Epworth Richmond, where she played an integral part in surge planning and supporting staff and stakeholders throughout the pandemic. Since 2021, she has been working as the Structural Heart (SH) Coordinator alongside with the Cardiac Interventionists to support the SH program. Before taking on as PPE / RPP / Structural Heart Coordinator, Diana was the Associate Nurse Unit Manager in one of the cardiac ward at Epworth Richmond.