Discomfort and Exertion Associated with Prolonged Wear of Respiratory Protection in a Health Care Setting

摘要: The nature of discomfort and level exertion associated with wearing respiratory protection in the health care workplace are not well understood. Although a few studies have assessed these topics laboratory setting, little is known about magnitude experienced by workers while they deliver to patients for prolonged periods. purpose this study was determine periods up 8 hr when performing their typical occupational duties. This project multiple cross-over field trial 27 workers, aged 24-65, typical, hospital-based Each participant served as his/her own control wore one seven respirators or medical mask (or long tolerable) interposed doffing every 2 hr. Self-perceived were quantified before each doffing: self-perceived using visual analog scale, Borg scale. Overall, would be expected, increased over time continual respirator use an 8-hr period. Interestingly, only marginally same relatively low eight protective devices, including models commonly used U.S. workplace, likely substantially influence workers' tolerability productivity. However, does appear increase significantly wear. These results suggest that respirator-related discomfort, but exertion, negatively influences tolerance Discomfort may also interfere duties workers.