Mask shortage during epidemics and pandemics: a scoping review of interventions to overcome limited supply

Abstract

ObjectiveTo characterise published evidence regarding preclinical and clinical interventions to overcome mask shortages during epidemics and pandemics.DesignSystematic scoping review.SettingsAll healthcare settings relevant to epidemics and pandemics.Search strategyEnglish peer-reviewed studies published from January 1995 to June 2020 were included. Literature was identified using four databases (Medline-OVID, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library), forwards-and-backwards searching through Scopus and an extensive grey literature search. Assessment of study eligibility, data extraction and evidence appraisal were performed in duplicate by two independent reviewers.ResultsOf the 11 220 database citations, a total of 47 articles were included. These studies encompassed six broad categories of conservation strategies: decontamination, reusability of disposable masks and/or extended wear, layering, reusable respirators, non-traditional replacements or modifications and stockpiled masks. Promising strategies for mask conservation in the context of pandemics and epidemics include use of stockpiled masks, extended wear of disposable masks and decontamination.ConclusionThere are promising strategies for overcoming face mask shortages during epidemics and pandemics. Further research specific to practical considerations is required before implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evidence review of physical distancing and partition screens to reduce healthcare acquired SARS-CoV-2

“…Given the intimate nature of direct care provision, there is an understanding that certain aspects of social distancing, for example working from home, are less applicable to the direct care environment. Therefore, the term physical distancing has been used in UK national IPC guidance [ 1 ]. The standard infection control precaution of physical distancing refers specifically to the actual measurable distance between two individuals while at work, within the health or other care environment.…”

Analysis of Taiwan’s Mask Collection and Plan Evasion during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The WHO also recommended strategies to optimize the availability of personal protective equipment [ 19 ]. Kirubarajan et al [ 20 ] revealed numerous strategies that had been evaluated for overcoming a limited supply of personal protective equipment during pandemics or epidemics. They grouped the strategies into six main categories: (1) decontamination of disposable masks [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], (2) reuse and/or extended wear of disposable masks [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ], (3) layering of masks [ 28 , 29 ], (4) introduction of reusable respirators [ 29 , 30 ], (5) use of non-traditional replacements or modifications to masks [ 31 , 32 ], and (6) use of stockpiled or expired masks [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

Research on Supplier Collaboration of Daily Consumer Goods under Uncertainty of Supply and Demand

“…Using brand experience can increase consumers' willingness to pay for price premium [3]. During the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for PPE surged sharply, and the increase in the use of masks by ordinary people exacerbated the global supply shortage of masks [4][5][6], which led to the price surge [7,8]. Li et al [9] analyzed the reasons for the price fluctuation of masks during the epidemic period, including the relationship between short-term mask supply and demand, the imbalance between market supply and demand, the production cost of manufacturers, the hoarding of businesses, and the price fluctuation of masks, which is related to price increase and bid up.…”