Characteristics Associated With Health Care Worker Knowledge and Confidence in Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator Use
Author
THURMAN, PAULZhuang, Eileen
Chen, Hegang H.
McClain, Caitlin
Sietsema, Margaret
Fernando, Rohan
McDiarmid, Melissa A.
Hines, Stella E.
Date
2022-09-01Journal
Journal of occupational and environmental medicinePublisher
Lippincott Williams & WilkinsType
Article
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
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.Identifier to cite or link to this item
http://hdl.handle.net/10713/19724ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1097/JOM.0000000000002611