2021
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048687
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Thinking green: modelling respirator reuse strategies to reduce cost and waste

Abstract: ObjectivesTo compare the impact of respirator extended use and reuse strategies with regard to cost and sustainability during the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignCost analysis.SettingUSA.ParticipantsAll healthcare workers within the USA.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresA 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 t… Show more

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Cited by 20 publications
(27 citation statements)
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References 39 publications
(70 reference statements)
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“…While substantial uncertainty exists surrounding the continuing spread of COVID-19, a robust forecast can be used to inform policy, targeted interventions, and mitigation strategies. During the pandemic, forecasts have been used to allocate medical resources that are in short supply (e.g., ventilators, personal protective equipment, gowns, sanitizer) to the areas with high COVID risk [ 17 , 18 , 33 ]. Moreover, they have influenced the assignment of travel nurses, a group of qualified nurses who are not employed at specific locations, but rather, have multiple short-term appointments at hospitals located anywhere in the USA based on demand [ 3 ].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…While substantial uncertainty exists surrounding the continuing spread of COVID-19, a robust forecast can be used to inform policy, targeted interventions, and mitigation strategies. During the pandemic, forecasts have been used to allocate medical resources that are in short supply (e.g., ventilators, personal protective equipment, gowns, sanitizer) to the areas with high COVID risk [ 17 , 18 , 33 ]. Moreover, they have influenced the assignment of travel nurses, a group of qualified nurses who are not employed at specific locations, but rather, have multiple short-term appointments at hospitals located anywhere in the USA based on demand [ 3 ].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Additionally, this study did not evaluate the costs of transparent masks, which could limit their availability. 19 However, we have conducted a prior study comparing costs of multiple respirator-use strategies, including distribution of 1 reusable, transparent respirator to all US health care workers, and found this to be less costly than the current practice of using disposable standard respirators. 14 , 15 , 16 , 19 Further cost-benefit studies of transparent masks should be performed as they become more commercially available.…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…All surveys included brief video clips showing a study author smiling while wearing a custom-designed transparent mask created by members of the study team and a standard opaque N95 mask ( Figure , A). 19 , 20 Respondents were then asked questions regarding whether they were able to detect the author’s emotion and whether they felt positively toward the use of transparent masks to communicate in a health care setting. They were also asked questions specific to mask wearing and communication as well as mask preference and fit in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This heavy and continuous demand of one‐time use, nondegradable facemasks continues to build up the amount of permanent trash and potentially leads to an environmental crisis. [ 8 ]…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%