Characteristics Associated With Health Care Worker Knowledge and Confidence in Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator Use.

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.
Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: Dr. Hines receives research funding to her institution from the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and CleanSpace Technology, a respirator manufacturer for a different research study. One of her family members works as a trainer for a respirator manufacturer of a different respirator style than that described in the paper. Caitlin McClain is part of the team from NIOSH/NPPTL that contracted the lead author to gather data and take point on publications.
(Copyright © 2022 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)