Discussion
This device provides a means to help to reduce viral transmission and
provide ENT staff with additional protection. It likely reduces the
chance of aerosol spread and contamination of the clinic room. It is
simple, reproducible and easy to make with available resources in every
department.
Some limitations of this paper are that the device may be uncomfortable
for some patients but it was well tolerated by the authors and patients
in clinic to date. Some hospitals may not have theatre/emergency
departments and thus, may have require special ordering to get all kit
pieces needed. These items should be on ordering lists as they are all
standard pieces on emergency trolleys – apart from the CPAP harness.
Further, assembly of the device and verifying the seal will mean
procedures take\souts more time and may not be appropriate in some
emergency settings. Lastly, humidification in a closed circuit may
present an issue where demisting agents are not available – the authors
suggest gently pressing the lens of the endoscope on a clear area of the
inferior turbinate to clear large debris or eliminate misting.
Areas for future research would include the impact using this device has
on clinic times. A pre-made supply of the most common mask sizes could
be created to minimise delay in clinics. Further, would be looking into
its practicality in emergency settings. Most impactful of all would be
to test if the patient wearing this mask reduces or prevents
aerosolization completely.