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Wearing masks in a pediatric hospital: developing practical guidelines
Marcia Beck1, Beverley J Antle, Deborah Berlin
1Adolescent Medicine, Substance Abuse Outreach Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1 X8. marcia.beck@sickkids.ca
Insights
During the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak, infection control masks were vital but challenging for pediatric patients and staff. Hospital staff developed tools to mitigate the psychosocial impact of these necessary infection control measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Infectious Disease Control
- Public Health
Background:
- The 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak necessitated strict infection control measures in hospitals.
- These measures included patient and visitor restrictions, screening, and extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff.
- The Hospital for Sick Children (HSC) in Toronto implemented mask usage for patients, accompanying persons, and staff in many areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the use of infection control masks in routine pediatric healthcare during the SARS outbreak.
- To identify and describe tools developed by HSC staff to address the negative psychosocial effects of mask use on children and families.
Main Methods:
- Focus on the implementation and impact of infection control masks in a pediatric hospital setting.
- Qualitative description of challenges faced by patients and staff.
- Description of psychosocial support tools developed and utilized.
Main Results:
- Mask usage created significant psychosocial challenges for pediatric patients and their families.
- HSC staff developed and implemented specific tools to reduce the negative impact of mask-wearing.
- These interventions aimed to improve the experience of children and families during a period of heightened infection control.
Conclusions:
- Strict infection control measures, including mask use, are crucial during outbreaks like SARS.
- Addressing the psychosocial impact on pediatric patients and families is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
- Developing targeted interventions can mitigate the negative effects of necessary public health measures in pediatric settings.
Abstract:
During the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in the spring of 2003, strict infection control measures were implemented in Toronto and surrounding hospitals. These measures included extreme restrictions on those who would normally accompany patients to the hospital, screening for SARS, and protective attire for hospital staff, including masks, face shields, goggles, gloves and gowns. At Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (HSC), patients could only be accompanied or visited by one person, often only in patients' rooms. For the first four weeks, patients and their designated parent had to wear masks in almost all areas of the hospital. Staff wore masks (and other appropriate protective clothing) whenever in contact with patients and in many patient care areas. Although these barriers were an important part of containing SARS, their use created significant challenges for patients and staff. This article focusses on the use of infection control masks in routine pediatric healthcare and the tools developed by HSC staff to reduce the negative psychosocial impact on children and families.
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