ACPIC24: Mask-fit education in health workforce students: a comparison of two different methods

Australasian College of Paramedicine International Conference (ACPIC24)

ACPIC 2024 delivered a wide range of clinical and research sessions from experts and leaders in paramedicine. Hosted in Sydney (September 2024) the program was designed to inspire, educate and broaden horizons.

Conference theme: Paramedicine's evolution – Embracing the new era

Mask-fit education in health workforce students: a comparison of two different methods

Quantitative mask fit testing (QnFT) was widely implemented as a safety control measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether education + qualitative fit check (QFC) is no worse (non-inferior) than education + QnFT in terms of mask fit performance measured both immediately and two weeks later. A randomised controlled non-inferiority trial was conducted comparing QnFT with guided mask selection by the QnFT administrator compared to a self-selection procedure with self-performed QFC. This study confirmed that quantitative mask fit testing remains the gold standard, despite the resources used, to meet required safety control standards.

Biography: Dr Cameron Gosling

Cameron has been an academic member of staff with the Monash University, Department of Paramedicine since 2016. Previously he has held roles as a Research Fellow at Monash University with the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine based at the Alfred Hospital and the Department of Physiotherapy. His primary research background is in injury epidemiology and has held roles educating health professionals for over 25 years. He is currently a senior lecturer and HDR coordinator in the Department of Paramedicine.

Moderator: Matthew Cook, Chair, ACPIC24 Organising Committee