Universal use of surgical masks is tolerated and prevents respiratory viral infection in stem cell transplant recipients. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Partridge, D.G.; Sori, A.; Green, D.J.; Simpson, R.; Poller, B.; Raza, M.; Kaur, H.; Jessop, H.; Colton, B.; Nield, A.; Evans, C.M.; Lee, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 119(2022)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: Facemask -- Mask -- Stem cell transplant -- Neutropenia -- Infection prevention and control -- Respiratory virus -- Influenza -- Parainfluenza -- RSV -- Rhinovirus -- Coronavirus -- COVID-19 -- Qualitative -- Barriers; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Prevention of respiratory viral infection in stem cell transplant patients is important due to its high risk of adverse outcome. This single-centre, mixed methods study, conducted before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic, explored the barriers and facilitators to a policy of universal mask use by visitors and healthcare workers, and examined the impact of the first year of introduction of the policy on respiratory viral infection rates compared with preceding years, adjusted for overall incidence. Education around universal mask use was highlighted as being particularly important in policy implementation. A significant decrease in respiratory viral infection was observed following introduction.