Implementation of a respiratory protection program within healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic- lessons learned

Susan Jain; Kathy Dempsey; Kate Clezy; Patricia Bradd

doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2022.05.016

Implementation of a respiratory protection program within healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic- lessons learned

Am J Infect Control. 2022 Sep;50(9):1067-1069. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.05.016. Epub 2022 Jun 8.

Authors

Susan Jain¹, Kathy Dempsey², Kate Clezy², Patricia Bradd²

Affiliations

¹ Healthcare Associated Infection Program, Clinical Excellence Commission, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: susan.jain@health.nsw.gov.au.
² Healthcare Associated Infection Program, Clinical Excellence Commission, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Abstract

The use of fit tested respirators in the workplace is required to protect health workers against airborne pathogens. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid upscaling of fit testing which was achieved using the framework of a respiratory protection program. Implementing and sustaining such a program in the midst of a pandemic was challenging and required clear direction from a lead agency combined with stakeholder engagement.

Keywords: Fit checking; Fit testing; Infection prevention and control; Personal protective equipment; Respiratory protection.

MeSH terms

COVID-19* / prevention & control
Delivery of Health Care
Health Personnel
Humans
Pandemics / prevention & control
Respiratory Protective Devices*