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Health Security Nov 2021An international system should be established to support personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory monitoring, particularly within the healthcare industry. In this...
An international system should be established to support personal protective equipment (PPE) inventory monitoring, particularly within the healthcare industry. In this article, the authors discuss the development and 15-week deployment of a proof-of-concept prototype that included the use of a Healthcare Trust Data Platform to secure and transmit PPE-related data. Seventy-eight hospitals participated, including 66 large hospital systems, 11 medium-sized hospital systems, and a single hospital. Hospitals reported near-daily inventory information for N95 respirators, surgical masks, and face shields, ultimately providing 159 different PPE model numbers. Researchers cross-checked the data to ensure the PPE could be accurately identified. In cases where the model number was inaccurately reported, researchers corrected the numbers whenever possible. Of the PPE model numbers reported, 74.2% were verified-60.5% of N95 respirators, 40.0% of face shields, and 84.0% of surgical masks. The authors discuss the need to standardize how PPE is reported, possible aspects of a PPE data standard, and standards groups who may assist with this effort. Having such PPE data standards would enable better communication across hospital systems and assist in emergency preparedness efforts during pandemics or natural disasters.
Topics: COVID-19; Hospitals; Humans; Masks; Pandemics; Personal Protective Equipment
PubMed: 34757851
DOI: 10.1089/hs.2021.0098 -
Anesthesia Progress Sep 2022Mask ventilation can be difficult in elderly edentulous patients. Various solutions have been proposed to address this challenge. This study assessed the use of a new...
OBJECTIVE
Mask ventilation can be difficult in elderly edentulous patients. Various solutions have been proposed to address this challenge. This study assessed the use of a new airway-securing device called the Tulip Airway and investigated its application in simulated edentulous patients.
METHODS
This pilot study utilized a modified edentulous airway training mannequin and a high-performance simulator. Participants attempted to ventilate the edentulous mannequin using a Guedel oropharyngeal airway and face mask (M method) or the Tulip Airway (T method). Successful inflation of the mannequin model lung was confirmed visually. The time required for the insertion of the Tulip Airway was also assessed. A high-performance simulator was then used to compare ventilation volumes achieved using the M and T methods, and data subsequently analyzed.
RESULTS
In the edentulous mannequin, lung inflation was not achieved by any participants using the M method, but all were successful using the T method. Insertion time for the Tulip Airway was ∼8 seconds. Median ventilation volumes achieved using the high-performance simulator were higher for the T method (308 mL) compared with the M method (192 mL; P < .05).
CONCLUSION
The results of this pilot study indicate that the Tulip Airway is an effective airway device for use in edentulous patients with difficult mask ventilation.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal; Laryngeal Masks; Manikins; Pilot Projects; Tulipa
PubMed: 36223186
DOI: 10.2344/anpr-69-01-01 -
PloS One 2022To quantify changes in adherence to mask and distancing guidelines in outdoor settings in Philadelphia, PA before and after President Trump announced he was infected...
OBJECTIVES
To quantify changes in adherence to mask and distancing guidelines in outdoor settings in Philadelphia, PA before and after President Trump announced he was infected with COVID-19.
METHODS
We used Systematic Observation of Masking Adherence and Distancing (SOMAD) to assess mask adherence in parks, playgrounds, and commercial streets in the 10 City Council districts in Philadelphia PA. We compared adherence rates between August and September 2020 and after October 2, 2020.
RESULTS
Disparities in mask adherence existed by age group, gender, and race/ethnicity, with females wearing masks correctly more often than males, seniors having higher mask use than other age groups, and Asians having higher adherence than other race/ethnicities. Correct mask use did not increase after the City released additional mask guidance in September but did after Oct 2. Incorrect mask use also decreased, but the percentage not having masks at all was unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS
Vulnerability of leadership appears to influence population behavior. Public health departments likely need more resources to effectively and persuasively communicate critical safety messages related to COVID-19 transmission.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; COVID-19; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Male; Masks; Middle Aged; Philadelphia; Physical Distancing; Public Health; SARS-CoV-2; Young Adult
PubMed: 35020749
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261398 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Since the emergence of COVID-19, mandatory facemask wearing has been implemented around the world to prevent viral transmission, however, the impact of wearing facemasks... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Since the emergence of COVID-19, mandatory facemask wearing has been implemented around the world to prevent viral transmission, however, the impact of wearing facemasks on patients with COPD was unclear.
METHODS
The current study undertakes a systematic review and meta-analysis of a comprehensive literature retrieval from six databases, based on the pre-determined eligibility criteria, irrespective of language. The risk of bias was assessed using an established instrument. We primarily focused on analyzing ETCO, SpO, and heart and respiratory rates, and also considered the impacts on physiological and exercise performance. A descriptive summary of the data and possible meta-analysis was performed. Forest plots were generated to pool estimates based on each of the study outcomes.
RESULTS
Of the 3,751 publications considered, six publications were selected for a systematic review and two publications were included for meta-analysis, however, the quality of these six studies was relatively low overall. In the case of inactivity, the facemask wearing COPD cohort had higher respiratory rates than that of the non-facemask wearing cohort (MD = 1.00 and 95% CI 0.47-1.53, < 0.05). There was no significant difference in ETCO (MD = 0.10 and 95% CI -1.57-1.78, > 0.05) and heart rate (MD = 0.40 and 95% CI -3.59-4.39, > 0.05) nor SpO (MD = -0.40 and 95% CI -0.84-0.04, > 0.05) between the COPD patients with and without facemasks. Furthermore, it was observed that the only significant differences between the COPD patients with and without facemasks undertaking different activities were FEV1 (%) (MD = 3.84 and 95% CI 0.14-7.54, < 0.05), FEV1/FVC (%) (MD = 3.25 and 95% CI 0.71-5.79, < 0.05), and blood lactate (MD = -0.90 and 95% CI -1.73 to -0.07, < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Wearing facemasks decreased the exercise performance of patients with COPD, however, it had minimal impact on physiological indexes. Further investigations will be performed on the high-quality data from randomized control studies.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=326265, identifier: CRD42022326265.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Masks; Personal Protective Equipment; Sedentary Behavior; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 36466486
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1027521 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2022It is not known how effective child masking is in childcare settings in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This question is critical to inform health policy and...
IMPORTANCE
It is not known how effective child masking is in childcare settings in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This question is critical to inform health policy and safe childcare practices.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the association between masking children 2 years and older and subsequent childcare closure because of COVID-19.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A prospective, 1-year, longitudinal electronic survey study of 6654 childcare professionals at home- and center-based childcare programs in all 50 states was conducted at baseline (May 22 to June 8, 2020) and follow-up (May 26 to June 23, 2021). Using a generalized linear model (log-binomial model) with robust SEs, this study evaluated the association between childcare program closure because of a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case in either children or staff during the study period and child masking in both early adoption (endorsed at baseline) and continued masking (endorsed at baseline and follow-up), while controlling for physical distancing, other risk mitigation strategies, and program and community characteristics.
EXPOSURES
Child masking in childcare programs as reported by childcare professionals at baseline and both baseline and follow-up.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Childcare program closure because of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 case in either children or staff as reported in the May 26 to June 23, 2021, end survey.
RESULTS
This survey study of 6654 childcare professionals (mean [SD] age, 46.9 [11.3] years; 750 [11.3%] were African American, 57 [0.9%] American Indian/Alaska Native, 158 [2.4%] Asian, 860 [12.9%] Hispanic, 135 [2.0%] multiracial [anyone who selected >1 race on the survey], 18 [0.3%] Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and 5020 [75.4%] White) found that early adoption (baseline) of child masking was associated with a 13% lower risk of childcare program closure because of a COVID-19 case (adjusted relative risk, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.99), and continued masking for 1 year was associated with a 14% lower risk (adjusted relative risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74-1.00).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This survey study of childcare professionals suggests that masking young children is associated with fewer childcare program closures, enabling in-person education. This finding has important public health policy implications for families that rely on childcare to sustain employment.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Child; Child Care; Child Day Care Centers; Child, Preschool; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Masks; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; United States
PubMed: 35084484
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.41227 -
BMJ Open Jul 2021To compare the impact of respirator extended use and reuse strategies with regard to cost and sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the impact of respirator extended use and reuse strategies with regard to cost and sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DESIGN
Cost analysis.
SETTING
USA.
PARTICIPANTS
All healthcare workers within the USA.
INTERVENTIONS
Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
A model was developed to estimate usage, costs and waste incurred by several respirator usage strategies over the first 6 months of the pandemic in the USA. This model assumed universal masking of all healthcare workers. Estimates were taken from the literature, government databases and commercially available data from approved vendors.
RESULTS
A new N95 respirator per patient encounter would require 7.41 billion respirators, cost $6.38 billion and generate 84.0 million kg of waste in the USA over 6 months. One respirator per day per healthcare worker would require 3.29 billion respirators, cost $2.83 billion and generate 37.22 million kg of waste. Decontamination by ultraviolet germicidal irradiation would require 1.64 billion respirators, cost $1.41 billion and accumulate 18.61 million kg of waste. HO vapour decontamination would require 1.15 billion respirators, cost $1.65 billion and produce 13.03 million kg of waste. One reusable respirator with daily disposable filters would require 18 million respirators, cost $1.24 billion and generate 15.73 million kg of waste. Pairing a reusable respirator with HO vapour-decontaminated filters would reduce cost to $831 million and generate 1.58 million kg of waste. The use of one surgical mask per healthcare worker per day would require 3.29 billion masks, cost $460 million and generate 27.92 million kg of waste.
CONCLUSIONS
Decontamination and reusable respirator-based strategies decreased the number of respirators used, costs and waste generated compared with single-use or daily extended-use of disposable respirators. Future development of low-cost,simple technologies to enable respirator and/or filter decontamination is needed to further minimise the economic and environmental costs of masks.
Topics: COVID-19; Decontamination; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Masks; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Ventilators, Mechanical
PubMed: 34275864
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048687 -
Rural and Remote Health Jul 2021Face masks are widely recommended as a COVID-19 prevention strategy. State mask mandates have generally reduced the spread of the disease, but decisions to wear a mask...
INTRODUCTION
Face masks are widely recommended as a COVID-19 prevention strategy. State mask mandates have generally reduced the spread of the disease, but decisions to wear a mask depend on many factors. Recent increases in case rates in rural areas following initial outbreaks in more densely populated areas highlight the need to focus on prevention and education. Messaging about disease risk has faced challenges in rural areas in the past. While surges in cases within some communities are likely an impetus for behavior change, rising case rates likely explain only part of mask-wearing decisions. The current study examined the relationship between county-level indicators of rurality and mask wearing in the USA.
METHODS
National data from the New York Times' COVID-19 cross-sectional mask survey was used to identify the percentage of a county's residents who reported always/frequently wearing a mask (2-14 July 2020). The New York Times' COVID-19 data repository was used to calculate county-level daily case rates for the 2 weeks preceding the mask survey (15 June - 1 July 2020), and defined county rurality using the Index of Relative Rurality (n=3103 counties). Multivariate linear regression was used to predict mask wearing across levels of rurality. The model was adjusted for daily case rates and other relevant county-level confounders, including county-level indicators of age, race/ethnicity, gender, political partisanship, income inequality, and whether each county was subject to a statewide mask mandate.
RESULTS
Large clusters of counties with high rurality and low mask wearing were observed in the Midwest, upper Midwest, and mountainous West. Holding daily case rates and other county characteristics constant, the predicted probability of wearing a mask decreased significantly as counties became more rural (β=-0.560; p<0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Upticks in COVID-19 cases and deaths in rural areas are expected to continue, and localized outbreaks will likely occur indefinitely. The present findings highlight the need to better understand the mechanisms underlying perceptions of COVID-19 risk in rural areas. Dissemination of scientifically correct and consistent information is critical during national emergencies.
Topics: COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Status Disparities; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Masks; Rural Population; Severity of Illness Index; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 34252284
DOI: 10.22605/RRH6596 -
Scientific Reports May 2022Given the massive use of facemasks (FMs) during the covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of FMs wearing on overall health. This study aimed...
Given the massive use of facemasks (FMs) during the covid-19 pandemic, concerns have been raised regarding the effect of FMs wearing on overall health. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of surgical FM on brain neuro-electrical activity. Electroencephalography (EEG) background frequency (BGF) and background amplitude (BGA) was performed on 30 volunteers before (baseline), during and after wearing a FM for 60 min. Measurements were done during normal ventilation, hyperventilation and post-hyperventilation (PHVR). Blood gas levels were assessed at baseline and after FM use. EEG analysis concerning baseline (without FM) (BGA), was 47.69 ± 18.60 µV, wearing FM, BGA was 48.45 ± 17.79 µV, post FM use BGA was 48.08 ± 18.30 µV. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGA and BGA under FM and post FM. BGF, Baseline data were 10.27 ± 0.79, FM use 10.30 ± 0.76 and post FM use was 10.33 ± 0.76. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline BGF and BGF under FM and post FM. Venous blood gases, and peripheral oxygen saturation were not significantly affected by FM use. Short-term use of FM in young healthy individuals has no significant alteration impact on brain's neuro-electrical activity.
Topics: Brain; COVID-19; Humans; Hyperventilation; Masks; Pandemics
PubMed: 35641513
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12875-1 -
Cognitive Research: Principles and... May 2022Over the past two years, face masks have been a critical tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. While previous studies have examined the effects of masks on speech...
Over the past two years, face masks have been a critical tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. While previous studies have examined the effects of masks on speech recognition, much of this work was conducted early in the pandemic. Given that human listeners are able to adapt to a wide variety of novel contexts in speech perception, an open question concerns the extent to which listeners have adapted to masked speech during the pandemic. In order to evaluate this, we replicated Toscano and Toscano (PLOS ONE 16(2):e0246842, 2021), looking at the effects of several types of face masks on speech recognition in different levels of multi-talker babble noise. We also examined the effects of listeners' self-reported frequency of encounters with masked speech and the effects of the implementation of public mask mandates on speech recognition. Overall, we found that listeners' performance in the current experiment (with data collected in 2021) was similar to that of listeners in Toscano and Toscano (with data collected in 2020) and that performance did not differ based on mask experience. These findings suggest that listeners may have already adapted to masked speech by the time data were collected in 2020, are unable to adapt to masked speech, require additional context to be able to adapt, or that talkers also changed their productions over time. Implications for theories of perceptual learning in speech are discussed.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Masks; Noise; Speech; Speech Perception
PubMed: 35616742
DOI: 10.1186/s41235-022-00388-4 -
Journal of Clinical Neuroscience :... Mar 2022Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants has become necessary to prevent transmission of the virus....
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfectants has become necessary to prevent transmission of the virus. However, the effects of such pandemic obligations on chronic diseases such as migraine have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the use of masks and disinfectants, on migraine patients. A total of 310 migraine patients were included. Demographic data, migraine characteristics, and mask and disinfectant use were obtained through a face-to-face survey. Patients were grouped as worsening, stable, or improving according to pre-pandemic and pandemic migraine characteristics. Migraine worsening was found in 177 (57.1%) patients, stable course in 96 (31%) patients, and improvement in 37 (11.9%) patients. The use of scalp contact masks and double masks and daily mask duration were higher in the worsening group (p:0.005, p:0.005 and p:0.001). In addition, the frequency of personal disinfectant use was higher in this group (p:0.011). In regression analysis, mask type, daily mask duration, presence of allodynia, being a health worker, depression score, and odor were determined as independent risk factors for migraine worsening. We found a worsening of migraines in more than half of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also demonstrated a relationship between migraine worsening and mask type, number of masks, and intensive disinfectant use. Migraine patients should be advised of optimal prevention methods based on individual social and working conditions rather than exaggerated preventative measures.
Topics: COVID-19; Disinfectants; Humans; Masks; Migraine Disorders; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35066364
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.01.006