Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee HKA(1), Chan HY(2), Wong KH(3), Ng WY(4)
Affiliation :
(1)(3)(4) Stoma and Wound Care, Ambulatory Services, TKOH, (2) Central Nursing Division, TWH
Introduction :
Due to COVID-19, in-patients have to wear masks 24 hours during hospitalization. In the early 2020, the quantity of surgical masks was limited where the patients only changed mask once daily. There was an increase in incidents related to ear loop mask pressure injury that accounted for 6 wound nurse consultations in May 2020.
Objectives :
To compare the effectiveness of (a) gauze protection, (b) hydrocolloid protection and (c) regular check of ear loop mask and cleansing to prevent from surgical mask related pressure injury in high risk individuals.
Methodology :
A pilot prospective design was used in this study. The patients in the 7 medical wards with Braden scale
The data was collected from 1st to 30th June 2020. All stage 2 or above pressure injuries were reported to NSD. One pressure injury patrol round in every medical ward was provided to identify pressure injury. The pressure injury rate was calculated by the number of newly developed pressure injuries per 1000 inpatient bed days occupied.
Result & Outcome :
The rate difference of acquiring pressure injury comparing to control groups in June 2020 were: -0.97 (hydrocolloid group) and -0.7 (gauze group). Overall, the rate difference of having pressure injury in intervention groups (-0.85) in June were lower than the control groups (0.56) comparing to May.
Both interventions contribute some limitations. In the hydrocolloid group, application of the dressing was time-consuming and the edges might easily roll up. In the gauze group, the gauze might be easily displaced and lost its function.
This pilot study had aroused an attention towards pressure injury induced by ear loop mask. Basic routine skin care and pressure relieving measures are crucial in pressure injury prevention. With the experiences we gained these years, more interventions have been used to decrease the suffer from patients and economic burden due to the use of special dressings and nursing time.
