An After-Action Review of the Implementation of a Statewide Respiratory Protection Program- Perspectives from Fit Test Assessors and Program Leads.
Susan Jain1, Kathy Dempsey2
1Clinical Excellence Commission, St Leonards, Nsw, Australia
2University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant risk to heath workers, with a high risk of exposure to respiratory pathogens which led to a burgeoning need for a formal respiratory protection program (RPP) across NSW health facilities. The CEC developed a RPP for NSW Health incorporating comprehensive written guidance regarding respiratory protection.
Aim
The aim of this evaluation was to investigate if the resources developed by the Clinical Excellence Commission provided appropriate guidance for the implementation of a local RPP in NSW Health, with a focus on sustainability and the future needs of the program.
Method
An online survey was sent out to fit test assessors and program leads in November 2022 to gather information regarding the governance, and the usefulness of the RPP manual and the respirator fit testing algorithm.
Results
The respondents rated their experience with the RPP manual with 90% (56/62) agreeing or strongly agreeing the manual provides a useful overview with remaining 8% (5/62) neutral to this statement. The majority (57/67, 85%) agreed that the algorithm was used when making decisions about fit testing and 66% of respondents (44/67) agreed or strongly agreed that the algorithm was used when managing supply of respirators.
Conclusion
The feedback from program leads and fit test assessors who are responsible for implementing the program provided valuable insight into lessons learned in the decision making and implementation process. Comprehensive programmatic approaches are essential whenever respiratory protective devices are included in the prevention of communicable diseases to ensure health worker safety.
Biography
Susan Jain is the Principal Advisor and Research Lead of the IPAC/HAI program at the Clinical Excellence Commission, NSW. She has a Doctorate in transmission-based precautions and a Master of International Public Health from the University of New South Wales, Australia and a Master of Nursing from University of Wollongong. She has 14 category A* publications and conjoint academic at UNSW and guest lecturer at University of Sydney and University of Technology Sydney. Susan also holds the award of Credentialled Infection Control Professional-Expert, editorial board member at the Canadian IPAC Journal, member at the ISO and ASTAG-AMR committees.