{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Evaluation of a Point-of-Use Kiosk for Improving the Fit of N95/P2 Respirators in Healthcare Settings: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
{Author}: Chapman D;Strong C;Kaur P;Ganesan AN;
{Journal}: Am J Infect Control
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Aug 13
{Factor}: 4.303
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.ajic.2024.08.008
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Verifying the fit of disposable N95/P2 half-face respirators is critical. There are currently no objective ways to evaluate the implementation when used. Previously, we showed that only 26% of healthcare workers achieve appropriate fit at the point of use.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>657 quantitative fit tests were conducted on 166 subjects, using four different respirator styles. Randomization was performed; controls employing standard 'fit-check' and intervention using a custom built infra-red video kiosk. Primary outcome was passing rates of quantitative fit, with secondary outcomes of respirator type, gender, race, and previous experience.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Intervention demonstrated significantly higher pass rate (50.6%) compared to controls (30.8%). The odds of passing with IR Kiosk compared to control was 2.3 (OR 2.3 95%CI 1.8 to 2.9, p<0.001). Duckbill style improved the greatest (OR 4.1 95%CI 2.1 to 7.9, p<0.001), and Tri-fold also showing substantial benefit (OR 2.66 95%CI 1.4 to 5.2, p<0.001). Gender and race did not influence the outcomes when using the kiosk, nor did previous experience.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>A custom point of use kiosk improved the odds of achieving a satisfactory fit of common respirator styles, independent of participant demographics. These findings open the door to addressing a critical gap in respiratory protection programs by providing individual assessment and interventions that improve worker safety at the time of highest risk.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.