Supporting professionals in the use of N95 masks at the start of a COVID-19 pandemic: a quality improvement approach

Abstract

Abstract Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals (HCP) faced many clinical uncertainties, due in part to the rapid evolution of knowledge about this disease and how to adequately protect themselves. The impact of a workshop alone on improving healthcare professionals’ (HCP) knowledge of the proper use of N95 masks at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was unknown. Objective:We aimed to describe the development and implementation of a workshop on the proper use of N95 masks in hospital and its impact on HCP knowledge. Design: Quality improvement approach using a mixed-method, pre/post workshop design, based on the ADDIE instructional design framework. Setting and participants: All HCP working in one hospital in an urban region (Laval, Canada) in April 2020 were eligible. Intervention: Workshop content based on recommendations and procedures available at that time and validated by hospital microbiologists. Main outcome measures: We assessed participants’ knowledge on using N95 masks by questionnaires, pre and post workshop. Results: We elaborated the workshop content on and it was offered to HCP within one month. Of the 150 HCP who attended the 18 workshops, 69 completed the pre- and post-questionnaires. Most were women (88%) and nurses (59%). Participants’ knowledge increased after the workshop (24-85%) and their anxiety was subjectively reduced. Conclusion: Using a workshop to share the latest recommendations on the proper use of N95 masks increased HCPs’ confidence. The quality improvement approach allowed the flexibility and speed of action required in an urgent sanitary context.