85 Elastic-band beard cover for P2/N95 respirators in healthcare workers: an evaluation

Disposable P2/N95 respirators are important in preventing nosocomial infections within the healthcare system. Healthcare workers who cannot shave for cultural, religious, or medical reasons, face restrictions in using tight fitted respirators. Alternative solutions, like powered air purifying respirators, do not provide source control and are not universally accepted in healthcare settings, potentially exacerbating staff shortages during periods of high demand. Over the past 18 months, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the under-respirator elastic band beard cover, also known as the Singh Thattha Technique. The protocol for implementing and evaluating the technique, has been published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal. Participants are required to pass three fit tests with the elastic band/respirator combination, exceeding standard fit testing practices. The trial results involving the initial 87 participants have also recently been published. Ninety-nine percent of participants successfully passed fit testing with the Industree Trident P2 respirator, while 78% met the protocol criteria using the 3M Aura 1870+. All 87 participants achieved successful fit testing on at least one of these respirators following our stringent protocol. This presentation will explore RMH’s methodology for assessing the elastic band beard cover, examine the test protocol, discuss findings, highlight limitations of the technique, and explore future implications. This work aligns with the conference theme, offering a transformative solution that empowers the healthcare workforce to be prepared for the future.