Implementation of an Elastomeric Mask Program as a Strategy to Eliminate Disposable N95 Mask Use and Resterilization: Results from a Large Academic Medical Center

Source avec lien : Journal of the American College of Surgeons, , 6/11/2020. 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.05.022

La pandémie mondiale de COVD-19 a entraîné une forte demande d’équipements de protection individuelle pour les travailleurs de la santé. Les respirateurs N-95, nécessaires pour effectuer des procédures d’aérosolisation, sont rares et leur coût a considérablement augmenté. L’absence d’une fin claire à la pandémie exige que les hôpitaux créent une solution à long terme et rentable à la pénurie de N95. Nous avons initialement utilisé les méthodes décrites précédemment pour réutiliser et restériliser les masques N95, mais nous avons constaté qu’elles ne permettaient pas de résoudre les problèmes liés aux tests d’ajustement juste à temps et au coût.

Background The COVD-19 global pandemic has placed a large demand on personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. N-95 respirators, required to perform aerosolizing procedures, are in short supply and have increased significantly in cost. The lack of a clear end to the pandemic requires that hospitals need to create a long-term, cost effective solution to the N95 shortage. We initially used previously described methods to reuse and resterilize N95 masks however we found they did not solve the issues related to just in time fit-testing and cost. Methods We initiated a program with the aim to reduce our dependence on N95 masks by initiating a phased program to acquire industrial style elastomeric P100 masks as a substitute for reuse and resterilization of disposable N95s. We created an allocation strategy based on availability of the masks, as well as an operational plan to fit test, educate, and disinfect the masks. Results Within 1 month we were able to reduce the number of N95s needed by our network by 95%. We also found due that the cost was conservatively 10 times less per month than purchasing disposable N95s and the cost benefit increases the longer that they are needed. Conclusion Establishing an elastomeric mask program is feasible and less expensive than programs focused on reusing and disinfecting disposable N95 masks. A well thought out elastomeric distribution and disinfection program does not pose greater operational challenges than an N95 reuse and resterilization program. In addition, elastomeric masks can be stored for future surges and should be considered an essential part of all healthcare facilities’ supply of personal protective equipment. Implementation of the program has eliminated our dependence on disposable N95s to maintain normal operations during the global pandemic.

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