Reusable respirators as personal protective equipment during ENT surgery. Issue 8 (1st August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, B; Hardman, J C; Yang, W; Robson, A; Putnam, G; George, A; Paleri, V
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 134:Issue 8(2020)
• Page Start: 732
• Page End: 734
• Publication Date: 2020-08-01
• Subjects: COVID-19, -- Personal Protective Equipment, -- Cost-Benefit Analysis, -- Communication; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215120001346
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Robust personal protective equipment is essential in preventing the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 to head and neck surgeons who are routinely involved in aerosol generating procedures. Objective: This paper describes the collective experience, across 3 institutes, of using a reusable half-face respirator in 72 head and neck surgery cases. Method: Cost analysis was performed to demonstrate the financial implications of using a reusable respirator compared to single-use filtering facepiece code 3 masks. Conclusion: The reusable respirator is a cost-effective alternative to disposable filtering facepiece code 3 respirators. Supplying reusable respirators to individual staff members may increase the likelihood of them having appropriate personal protective equipment during their clinical duties.