Comparison between surgical mask and N95 respirator for preventing coronavirus disease in health care workers

Abstract

Topic Overview: To examine the effectiveness of N95 respirator and surgical mask for prevention of COVID-19 in health care workers. Research question: “Which is the most effective mask in preventing COVID-19 in health care workers N95 respirators or surgical masks?” PICO elements: The PICO framework consists of Population: health care workers, Intervention: surgical mask, Comparison: N95 respirator, Outcome: COVID-19 prevention Inclusion Criteria: Articles that are in English Language were included, articles that are published in the last ten years, literature that is focusing on the PICO question framework, addressing all the components of the PICO question. Articles that are in full text. Exclusion Criteria: Articles that were presented with only abstract were excluded, articles that were older than 10 years. Articles that focused on all types of PPE’s were excluded. Articles that were not in English Language. Outcome of the search review: 1 multi prospective cohort study, 3 systematic review and meta-analysis articles and one review. They were selected because it met the criteria of the proposed PICO question. Method of Critical Appraisal: The appraisal of the studies selected was done by utilising the Critical Appraisal Skill tools (CASP tool) as well as JBI tool. Main Results from the Evidence: The five articles selected were eager to present evidence-based results. However, since COVID-19 is considered a new virus, there was lack of evidence since there wasn’t enough time passed to research. However, in articles there was evidence that N95 respirator provides superior protection compared to surgical mask for COVID-19 prevention. Recommendations: Education on research, education and management were discussed. Conclusion: To conclude additional research studies is required, although in some articles it was found that N95 provides a superior protection for COVID-19.