Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study to Determine the Difference in Reduction of Bioaerosols in a Long-term Care Facility

This study is happening in a long-term care facility (like a care home) and is looking at how different air filters in the building's ventilation system affect air quality. Researchers are installing two types of air filters: a regular one in one part of the building and a special 'C-POLAR' coated filter in another part. They will continuously monitor various things in the air, like tiny particles, gases, and humidity, to see if the special filter makes a difference. They will also take air samples to check for tiny germs called bioaerosols. The main goal is to find out if the C-POLAR filter reduces these germs more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

C-Polar Innovations

Enrolment target

100

Start

05 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2025

Air Pollution

What is this study about?

Imagine the air conditioning and heating system in a care home – it has filters that help clean the air. This study is like a test to see if a newer, special type of air filter can do an even better job than the usual ones. The researchers are comparing two filters: a standard filter and one called a 'C-POLAR' filter, which has a special coating. They want to find out if this C-POLAR filter is better at removing tiny airborne particles, including microscopic germs and other things that can affect air quality.

The study will equip different parts of the care home's ventilation system with one of these two filter types. Throughout the study, special monitors will be placed around the building to continuously check the air for various things. This includes tiny dust particles, carbon dioxide, other airborne chemicals, and even changes in temperature and humidity. They'll also regularly collect actual air samples to count tiny airborne germs, which they call 'bioaerosols.'

The main aim is to see if rooms with the C-POLAR filter have significantly cleaner air, especially when it comes to these tiny airborne germs, compared to rooms with the standard filters. They are also looking at other aspects of air quality, like specific chemicals, radon gas, and general air purity. The results could help care homes understand how to improve the air quality for residents, staff, and visitors.

Key takeaways

The study tests two different air filters in a care home.
It aims to find out which filter is better at cleaning the air.
Air quality, including tiny germs, will be continuously monitored.
No personal participation or medical involvement is required.
Your presence in the facility means you are part of the study.
The study has a very low risk and aims to improve air quality for all.

Who may be eligible?

This study is a bit different because it's about the building's air filters rather than directly testing a treatment on people. If you are a resident, a member of staff, or even just visiting the long-term care facility during the study period, you will be part of the study in a broad sense simply by being in the building. This is because the air filters affect everyone in the facility.

Since the filters are built into the ventilation system, it's not possible for someone to be in the facility and choose not to be exposed to one of the filter types. The researchers believe this study involves very little risk to individuals. They also say it would be very difficult to get permission from every single person who might enter the building (like visitors or delivery people) before they come in.

Therefore, if you don't want to be involved in the study at all, your only option would be to avoid entering the long-term care facility until the study is finished. There are no other criteria for who can or cannot be part of this study, and it applies to all adults aged 19 and over, regardless of gender.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 19 years old or older?
Will you be in the long-term care facility (as a resident, staff, or visitor) during the study?
Are you comfortable knowing that air filters in the building are being studied?
Do you understand that there are no medical procedures involved for you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are in the facility during the study, you probably won't notice anything different. You won't have any extra appointments, medications, or tests. The study is focused on the air filters and the air quality, not on individual people. Researchers will be monitoring the air and taking air samples from different vents. Your involvement is simply being in the environment where the air is being filtered and studied. The total duration of the study is not specified, but it will run for a period while the air is being constantly monitored.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefit of this study is that it might lead to better air quality in care homes, which could be good for everyone's health. The main risk is considered very low; the study doesn't involve any medical procedures or changes to your personal care. The researchers state that the study involves no more than minimal risk. You have the right to withdraw your presence from the facility at any time if you do not wish to be in the study environment.

Locations (1)

Kelowna General Hospital
Verified postcode
Kelowna, Canada

Common questions

What is this study trying to find out?

It's trying to see if a special type of air filter works better than a regular one at cleaning the air in a care home, specifically reducing tiny airborne germs.

Do I need to do anything to be part of the study?

No, you don't need to do anything. If you are in the care home, you are automatically included as the air filters affect everyone in the building.

Will this study affect my medication or daily routine?

No, this study will not affect your medication, medical care, or daily routine in any way. It's only about the building's air system.

Is it safe to be in the care home during the study?

Yes, the researchers believe the study involves 'minimal risk.' They are simply comparing two types of air filters that are commonly used in buildings.

What happens if I don't want to be in the study?

As the study monitors the air in the building, the only way to not be involved is to avoid being in the long-term care facility until the study is over.

How to find out more

Zachary Walbaum

zacharywalbaum@interiorhealth.ca 800-707-8550 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.