RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Aerosol Box Use During Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Multicenter Study

This research is investigating a device called an 'aerosol box' that healthcare workers use to help protect themselves when treating patients who may have serious illnesses like COVID-19. When staff perform procedures like CPR, tiny germ-filled particles can spread in the air. The aerosol box is placed over a patient's head to create a barrier, shielding staff from these particles. The study wants to understand how well this box works during CPR specifically, as previous research mainly focused on other procedures. By finding out whether the box truly reduces the spread of germs to healthcare workers, the study hopes to make hospitals safer and help improve infection control.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

KidSIM Simulation Program

Enrolment target

240

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Cardiac Arrest COVID-19 Coronavirus

What is this study about?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers faced a big challenge because procedures like CPR, which are often needed for very sick patients, can release tiny virus particles into the air. This meant that doctors, nurses, and other staff were at a higher risk of catching the virus while caring for patients. Protecting these frontline workers is super important to keep our healthcare system running smoothly.

To try and make things safer, a device called an 'aerosol box' was developed. Think of it like a clear shield placed over a patient's head during medical procedures. The idea is that this box would act as a physical barrier, stopping the tiny virus particles from reaching the healthcare workers. While many hospitals started using these boxes, we don't fully understand how well they work, especially during different procedures like CPR.

This study aims to get a clearer picture of how effective the aerosol box is at reducing the spread of these particles during CPR. The researchers want to see exactly how much contamination is on healthcare workers after using the box during these critical moments. The information they gather will help us all understand if and how these boxes can be best used to improve safety for staff, which in turn helps patients receive the best care possible.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a protective device for healthcare workers.
It aims to make CPR safer during potential infection risks like COVID-19.
The focus is on how an 'aerosol box' reduces germ spread.
No actual patients or live viruses are used in the study.
The results could improve safety measures for healthcare staff worldwide.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthcare professional directly involved in patient care. This includes doctors (attending physicians, fellows, or residents) who work in adult or children's emergency care, intensive care, general children's health, or anaesthesia. You must also have up-to-date training in advanced life support for adults or children.

If your role is to perform CPR, you could also be a nurse, respiratory therapist, physician assistant, or healthcare aide. You would need to have current training in basic life support, or advanced life support for adults or children.

However, you cannot take part if you decide you don't want to give your permission (informed consent) or if any physical limitations would stop you from doing the tasks needed for your role in the study. All participants must be between 18 and 60 years old.

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 between 18 and 60 years old?
Are you a healthcare professional involved in emergency or intensive care?
Do you have current Advanced Life Support (ALS) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification?
Are you able to perform your role's tasks without physical limitations?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve patients directly, but rather focuses on healthcare workers. If you are a healthcare worker participating, you would be involved in simulated (practice) resuscitation events using an aerosol box. The study aims to measure how well the aerosol box protects you from tiny particles during these procedures. You would perform tasks related to airway management or chest compressions, similar to what you do in your regular job, but likely in a controlled setting. The total duration of your participation would be for the specific study session, and there isn't ongoing follow-up or medication involved as this is about a protective device, not a treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Participants in this study, who are healthcare workers, are not exposed to actual patients or viruses, as the study is conducted in a controlled environment. Therefore, the direct risks are very low. There might be some very minor inconvenience from the study procedures, but nothing serious. The potential benefits are for the wider healthcare community: if this study shows that the aerosol box effectively reduces particle spread, it could lead to safer working conditions for healthcare workers globally, especially during high-risk procedures like CPR. This would ultimately help protect staff who are caring for very sick patients. You will always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (4)

Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
Verified postcode
Los Angeles, United States· Recruiting
KidSIM, Alberta Children's Hospital
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Completed

Common questions

What is an 'aerosol box'?

It's a clear, protective shield placed over a patient's head during certain medical procedures to create a barrier and help protect healthcare workers from tiny airborne particles.

Why is this study important for healthcare workers?

It helps us understand if the aerosol box truly makes procedures like CPR safer for healthcare staff by reducing their exposure to illness-causing particles, especially during outbreaks like COVID-19.

Does this study involve real patients?

No, this study is conducted in a controlled environment, likely using practice scenarios, to evaluate the device without exposing real patients or healthcare workers to actual viruses.

What medical procedures are being looked at?

The study specifically focuses on how the aerosol box performs during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), including procedures involving the patient's breathing and chest compressions.

Will I get paid for participating?

The information provided doesn't specify payment for participants. You should ask the study team directly for details on compensation or reimbursement if you are considering joining.

How to find out more

Adam Cheng, MD

adam.cheng@albertahealthservices.ca (403)955-2633 Official trial record

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