Using a Critical Safety Behavior Scoring Tool for Just-in-Time Training for N95 Respirator Use

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1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Historically, health care workers (HCWs) have exhibited marginal adherence to proper N95 respirator use. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs with little to no prior training on N95 respirator use are relying on N95s as their primary respiratory protection. There is a need for simple, effective, and easily implementable just-in-time training (JITT) interventions to improve N95 respirator-related safety behavior. This study investigated two JITT interventions. Methods: A pilot experimental pretest posttest study design was used to evaluate two training interventions for N95 respirator donning/doffing performance at a Midwestern hospital system. HCW participants were randomly assigned to an intervention: one used a 4-minute instructional video alone, while the other used the same video but added a video reflection intervention (participant watched and scored a video of their own performance). All performances were scored using a 10-point Critical Safety Behavior Scoring Tool (CSBST). Findings: Sixty-two HCWs participated (32 video alone, 30 video reflection). The two groups’ CSBST scores were not significantly different at pretest. Averaged participant scores on the CSBST improved immediately following both interventions. Scores were significantly higher on the posttest for the reflective practice intervention (p<.05). Years of experience and frequency of N95 respirator use did not predict pre or post scores. Conclusions/Applications to Practice: We provide evidence to support the use of a time-efficient JITT intervention to improve HCW N95 respirator donning/doffing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. Hospital safety professionals should consider this type of training for HCWs required to wear respiratory protection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31-36
Number of pages6
JournalWorkplace Health and Safety
Volume70
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • infection control
  • infection prevention
  • occupational health
  • personal protective equipment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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