Evaluation of dressings preventing facial medical device‐related pressure injury in medical staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract

AimThis study systematically compared the efficacy of various dressings that may prevent facial medical device‐related pressure injury (MRDPI) in medical staff during the COVID‐19 pandemic.BackgroundDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, medical staff who are required to wear masks, goggles and other personal protective equipment (PPE) are susceptible to facial MRDPI, which exacerbates working conditions. Dressings can effectively prevent or alleviate MRDPI, but it is unclear which dressings are most effective.DesignA systematic review and network meta‐analysis, in accordance with PRISMA.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in four English and four Chinese databases to identify relevant studies published up to 8 September 2022. The selected studies were randomised controlled trials, with populations comprising medical staff who wore PPE during the COVID‐19 pandemic and included an observation and control group.ResultsThe network meta‐analysis of the 12 selected articles showed that foam dressing, hydrocolloid dressing and petrolatum gauze were better than conventional protection for preventing MRDPI. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve indicated that foam dressing was the best preventative.ConclusionFoam dressing is more effective than other dressings in preventing facial MRDPI in medical staff. When PPE must be worn for many hours, such as during the COVID‐19 pandemic, medical staff can use foam dressings to prevent MRDPI.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results support the use of dressings, especially foam dressings, to prevent MRDPI in healthcare workers. The appropriate dressings are recommended to prevent MRDPI associated with wearing PPE.