Patient and Health Care Worker Perceptions of Communication and Ability to Identify Emotion When Wearing Standard and Transparent Masks

Chu, Jacqueline N.; Collins, Joy; Chen, Tina T.; Chai, Peter R.; Dadabhoy, Farah; Byrne, James D.; Wentworth, Adam; DeAndrea-Lazarus, Ian A; Moreland, Christopher J.; Wilson, Jaime A. B.; Booth, Alicia; Ghenand, Omkar; Hur, Chin

doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.35386

Cited by 13 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…A total of 14 studies were included (Table 2, Figure 1). Most of them were conducted in the US (Atcherson et al, 2020; Chu, Collins, et al, 2021; Deardorff et al, 2021; Garg et al, 2021; Wilson et al, 2021) and in the UK (Naylor et al, 2020; Saunders et al, 2021).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Individuals with hearing impairment/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review on communication challenges and strategies

Mansutti

Achil

Gastaldo

et al. 2022

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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Aims and objectives This study aimed (a) to identify the communication issues and problems faced by individuals with hearing impairment (HI)/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (b) to describe strategies to overcome the issues/problems and/or prevent their negative impact. Background Individuals with mild or severe HI face everyday communication problems, which have been worsened during the COVID‐19 pandemic. However, no studies have summarised the available evidence to better understand the communication challenges faced by them and strategies allowing better interactions. The long duration of the outbreak—more than 2 years, with policies that have just been lifted in some countries—and the possible return of restrictions in the next Winter suggest the need to summarise evidence in the field. Design and methods A rapid review is reported here in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines. Medline, CINAHL and Scopus databases were searched, including (a) primary or secondary studies published from January 2020 to 12 January 2022, (b) involving individuals with HI/deafness, (c) during the COVID‐19 pandemic and (d) written in English. Data were extracted and summarised by using a content analysis approach. Patient or public contribution No Patient or Public Contribution. Results Fourteen studies were included as follows: three non‐systematic reviews, seven cross‐sectional, three quasi‐ experimental and one qualitative study, performed mainly in the US and the UK. Face mask covering use; physical and social distancing; and information, education, rehabilitation, and healthcare accessibility have emerged as the main challenges triggering consequences such as social isolation, loneliness, poor knowledge regarding the prevention and mental health issues. Strategies mitigating these challenges are as follows: (a) adopting transparent face masks, (b) using basic skills while interacting (e.g. maintaining eye contact), (c) improving the availability of sign language interpreters, (d) allowing the presence of family members and (e) teaching basics of sign language to healthcare professionals. Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice Individuals with HI/deafness live with several challenges, suggesting that their vulnerability has increased tremendously during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The effectiveness of strategies to overcome these difficulties should be scrutinised by conducting more research. Moreover, there should be increased awareness among all citizens by equipping them with simple strategies to communicate effectively with individuals with HI, an approach that may increase inclusiveness and prevent further negative consequences and burden.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Individuals with hearing impairment/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review on communication challenges and strategies

Mansutti

Achil

Gastaldo

et al. 2022

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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“…This difficulty has been reported as a concern by both the general public and HCP in other studies, especially among hearingimpaired individuals, and strategies such as clear masks have had limited success and raise concerns about PPE effectiveness. 21,22 Half of the survey respondents felt they were at greater risk for becoming infected because they worked at a healthcare facility, and nearly 20% stated that they had been afraid to go to work. Notably, however, it remains unclear whether HCP who had more frequent contact with patients with COVID-19 were more likely to acquire infection.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination in healthcare personnel working at nonacute care facilities

Mansoor

O’Neil

McDonald

et al. 2023

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.

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Objective: To characterize experiences, beliefs, and perceptions of risk related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), infection prevention practices, and COVID-19 vaccination among healthcare personnel (HCP) at nonacute care facilities. Design: Anonymous survey. Setting: Three non–acute-care facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. Participants: In total, 156 HCP responded to the survey, for a 25.6% participation rate). Among them, 32% had direct patient-care roles. Methods: Anonymous surveys were distributed between April-May 2021. Data were collected on demographics, work experience, COVID-19 exposure, knowledge, and beliefs about infection prevention, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, COVID-19 vaccination, and the impact of COVID-19. Results: Nearly all respondents reported adequate knowledge of how to protect oneself from COVID-19 at work (97%) and had access to adequate PPE supplies (95%). Many HCP reported that wearing a mask or face shield made communication difficult (59%), that they had taken on additional responsibilities due to staff shortages (56%), and that their job became more stressful because of COVID-19 (53%). Moreover, 28% had considered quitting their job. Most respondents (78%) had received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Common reasons for vaccination were a desire to protect family and friends (84%) and a desire to stop the spread of COVID-19 (82%). Potential side effects and/or inadequate vaccine testing were cited as the most common concerns by unvaccinated HCP. Conclusions: A significant proportion of HCP reported increased stress and responsibilities at work due to COVID-19. The majority were vaccinated. Improving workplace policies related to mental health resources and sick leave, maintaining access to PPE, and ensuring clear communication of PPE requirements may improve workplace stress and burnout.

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“…Clear masks are now available for health care workers to use that allow individuals with hearing loss to see faces/lips, including two FDA-approved masks Safe N′ Clear Communicator and ClearMask. Clear or transparent masks have been demonstrated to improve communication quality, trust, and recognition of expressions between providers and patients ( Chu et al, 2021 ; Kratzke et al, 2021 ; Thibodeau et al, 2021 ). These masks can be universally adopted since they benefit everyone, not just those with hearing loss.…”

Section: Covid-19 Challenges and Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reframing Our Health Care System for Patients With Hearing Loss

McKee

James

Helm

et al. 2022

J Speech Lang Hear Res

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Purpose: Nearly 20% of U.S. Americans report a hearing loss, yet our current health care system is poorly designed and equipped to effectively care for these individuals. Individuals with hearing loss report communication breakdowns, inaccessible health information, reduced awareness and training by health care providers, and decreased satisfaction while struggling with inadequate health literacy. These all contribute to health inequities and increased health care expenditures and inefficiencies. It is time to reframe the health care system for these individuals using existing models of best practices and accessibility to mitigate inequities and improve quality of care. Method: A review of system-, clinic-, provider-, and patient-level barriers, along with existing and suggested efforts to improve care for individuals with hearing loss, are presented. Results: These strategies include improving screening and identification of hearing loss, adopting universal design and inclusion principles, implementing effective communication approaches, leveraging assistive technologies and training, and diversifying a team to better care for patients with hearing loss. Patients should also be encouraged to seek social support and resources from hearing loss organizations while leveraging technologies to help facilitate communication. Conclusions: The strategies described introduce actionable steps that can be made at the system, clinic, provider, and patient levels. With implementation of these steps, significant progress can be made to more proactively meet the needs of patients with hearing loss.

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Patient and Health Care Worker Perceptions of Communication and Ability to Identify Emotion When Wearing Standard and Transparent Masks

Cited by 13 publications

References 19 publications

Individuals with hearing impairment/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review on communication challenges and strategies

Individuals with hearing impairment/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review on communication challenges and strategies

Knowledge, beliefs, and practices related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination in healthcare personnel working at nonacute care facilities

Reframing Our Health Care System for Patients With Hearing Loss

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