Operability of a drape with port connection as a barrier for aerosolgenerating procedures

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Frontline healthcare workers who perform aerosol-generating procedures (AGP) are at increased risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19. In order to continue to care for patients with COVID-19, minimizing exposure is paramount and barrier devices are potentially the answer. Using an intubation manikin with two different barrier devices (Plexiglas intubation box and a modified horizontal drape), we evaluated the operators' experience and satisfaction with these two devices and no device METHODS: This was a single-center study that prospectively intubated a manikin three different ways, no device, Plexiglas intubation box, and horizontal drape (Snaport). Each operator completed a survey about ease of use, likelihood to use each device in the future, and any comments following all three intubations. A separate survey was sent to all providers that perform intubations in the hospital about using barrier devices while intubating RESULTS: Fifty-six participants completed the pre-survey. The majority had not previously used a barrier during AGP (64.3%), during bronchoscopy (88.5%), or transporting a patient (87.5%). Most participants would use Snaport during an AGP (85.7%) Thirty participants completed barrier testing and post-survey. The average age was 39.7 years, average years in practice 11.5, and with an average of 22.6 intubations per month. There were no intubation failures. First pass intubation success was achieved for all except for one with Snaport and two with the Plexiglas intubation box. On average, participants found that it was ?easy? to intubate with Snaport (2.3, range 1-5), that it provided enough visibility during intubation (2.8, range 1-3), and did not hinder maneuverability (1.7, range 1-2). Eighteen participants preferred Snaport (60%), seven preferred the Plexiglas box (23%), three preferred to use nothing (10%), and one participant preferred to use Snaport only if the arm slits were redesigned to allow more maneuverability CONCLUSIONS: Snaport was the provider preferred method of barrier protection for intubation. Most participants felt it provided enough visibility without compromising maneuverability. The materials to assemble Snaport are inexpensive and the design is easy to assemble. Snaport is a good option in resource-limited healthcare settings.