Protocol of a prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare

Abstract

Individuals who are unable to be clean shaven for religious, medical or cultural reasons are unable to wear a filtering facepiece respirator (FFR), as the respirator cannot provide adequate protection against aerosol-transmissible diseases. There is currently a paucity of validated techniques to ensure the safe inclusion of bearded healthcare workers in the pandemic workforce. We propose to undertake a healthcare-based multi-modal evaluation study on the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique, examining the quantitative fit test (QNFT) results, usability and skill level of participants with repeated assessments over time. This is a prospective study conducted through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Healthcare workers are invited to participate if they require respiratory protection and cannot shave for religious, cultural or medical reasons. An online education package on the use of respiratory protective equipment and the elastic band beard cover for FFR technique is provided. This is followed by a face-to-face session, where the participant will receive: one-on-one training; undergo a skill assessment on their donning, doffing and user seal check techniques; complete QNFTs and a usability survey. Participants will be invited to repeat the assessment within 3 months of the first session and at 12 months. This study involves multimodal and repeated assessments of an elastic band beard cover for FFRs. The findings of this study will provide information on: whether this simple technique can provide safe, consistent and effective respiratory protection; whether it will interfere with occupational activities; and whether it is comfortable and tolerable for the duration of wear. This is of significant importance to the health workforce around the world, who cannot shave but require access to respiratory protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prospective comprehensive evaluation of an elastic-band beard cover for filtering facepiece respirators in healthcare workers

“…3,12 This study represents the first description of a multimodal evaluation of the elastic-band beard cover technique in a broad range of healthcare workers, using a peer-reviewed standardized protocol for education, training, and assessment. 17 Our findings of very high first and consecutive QNFT pass rates, especially with the Trident P2 respirator, indicated that the elastic-band beard cover technique, when correctly taught and practiced, was a practical and effective method of achieving reliable and efficacious respiratory protection in this population of bearded healthcare workers. This finding is significant for bearded healthcare workers who have faced a unique challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic when they are required to use FFRs and for those who have, in numerous instances, been excluded from clinical work due to their inability to participate in standard respiratory protection programs.…”

“… 3 , 12 This study represents the first description of a multimodal evaluation of the elastic-band beard cover technique in a broad range of healthcare workers, using a peer-reviewed standardized protocol for education, training, and assessment. 17 …”

“…The full study methodology has been published. 17 In brief, this prospective study was conducted through the Respiratory Protection Program at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from May 2022 to January 2023. This study was approved by Melbourne Health Human Research Ethics Committee (no.…”

“…The skills assessment was performed by a trained fit tester using a standardized marking system, of which the interrater reliability was also assessed. 17 The participant was then required to complete an online usability and comfort survey after the face-to-face session.…”