Evaluation of a care bundle to support healthcare workers wearing N95 masks

Background

N95 masks are required to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19, however, they are known to increase the risk of facial skin injuries.

Aims

This study aims to assess staff knowledge, behaviours, and adverse outcomes, in relation to a care bundle, designed to prevent and manage facial skin injury in healthcare workers wearing N95 masks.

Method

A quasi-experimental study design was used to compare outcomes for staff who were required to wear N95 masks and had access to a care bundle at a major metropolitan health service during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with those who did not. Staff were invited to participate in an anonymous survey.

Findings

The convenience sample included 758 participants and of these 31.3% accessed the care bundle. Post introduction of the care bundle, 59.8% developed facial injury compared with 72.7% who did not use the care bundle (p = 0.03). Of staff who accessed the care bundle, 28.7% developed acne, compared with 49.5% who did not access the care bundle (p = 0.001). Statistically significant improvements in uptake of prevention and treatment strategies were found in those who accessed the care bundle, compared with those who did not.

Discussion

This study has demonstrated the benefits of a care bundle to support healthcare workers wearing N95 masks. The bundle improved staff knowledge and reduced minor facial skin injuries.

Conclusion

Ongoing COVID-19 cases necessitate that healthcare workers continue to wear N95 masks for long and indefinite periods, and as such, the field remains an area for future research.