Understanding healthcare workers’ experiences of face mask and RPE use in healthcare settings: an interview study

Whilst healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting COVID-19, measures can be put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections in healthcare settings. These currently include the use of masks: fluid-resistant surgical masks and respiratory protective equipment. However, for mask policies to be effective, compliance with their use must be high. This study interviewed 12 HCWs from a variety of backgrounds to understand their experiences of mask use. We explored factors associated with compliance with mask use and potential impacts on HCW wellbeing. Overall, participants reported good understanding of the benefits of masks and high compliance levels with policy. However, factors that reduced their compliance with mask policy and impacted their ability to carry out their role were highlighted. These included wearing masks for longer durations, policy being perceived as out of proportion with risk, communication challenges, and discomfort. This study highlights the importance of clear communication of guidance, particularly when it has changed, ensuring staff are familiar with up-to-date research on efficacy of masks, and ensuring guidance aligns with risk. Furthermore, this study highlights the importance of masks being required for an appropriate duration (based on risk). ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement No specific funding was received for this research. All authors who carried out this research were funded by the UK Government, with some authors funded via Health Protection Research Units (as noted within acknowledgements) and others funded directly from the UK Health Security Agency. No private funding was received for this research. ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Ethical approval was obtained from the UK Health Security Agency Research Ethics Governance Group (approval no. R&D 496) I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes