Effectiveness of three just-in-time training modalities for N-95 mask fit testing

To compare and contrast three different training modalities for fit testing N-95 respirator face masks.

Block randomized interventional study.

Urban university.

Two hundred eighty-nine medical students.

Students were randomly assigned to video, lecture, or slide show to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods for fit testing large groups of people.

Ease of fit and success of fit for each instructional technique.

Mask 1 was a Kimberly-Clark duckbill N-95 respirator mask, and mask 2 was a 3M™ carpenters N-95 respirator mask. "Ease of fit" was defined as the ability to successfully don a mask in less than 30 seconds. "Success of fit" was defined as the ability to correctly don a mask in one try. There were no statistical differences by training modality for either mask regarding ease of fit or success of fit.

There were no differences among video presentation, small group demonstration, and self-directed slide show just-in-time training modalities for ease of fit or success of fit N-95 respirator mask fitting. Further study is needed to explore more effective fit training modalities.