Issue:
Although N95 filtering facepiece respirators are the primary choice for respiratory protection, they cannot be disinfected for re-use and must be disposed of after each patient. Because of high demand during a pandemic (as witnessed during the H1N1 pandemic) or wide-scale outbreak, availability from supplier and manufacturers can become extremely limited. The research question to be addressed is whether it is feasible to utilize reusable elastomeric halffacepiece respirators with P100 filters (EHFRs) in place of N95 filtering facepiece respirators during a pandemic or wide-scale outbreak in departments which have a high demand for respiratory protection against biological hazards.
Objectives:
The objective of this study is to address the practicality of wide-scale use of reusable respiratory protection in hospitals for protection against infectious agents during a pandemic or major outbreak.
Anticipated Results:
It is anticipated that the research will show, with statistical significance, that EHFRs either can or cannot be used during outbreak or pandemic situations. Individual parameters affecting EHFR use in a hospital setting will also be identified. These results can then be utilized by health authorities to develop and/or revise pandemic plans and protective equipment stockpiles.
Investigators:
Rita Ciconte, Quinn Danyluk (Fraser Health)
