HAPPY ITU
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Hyperthermia, Airborne Personal Protective equipment, wellbeing and performance qualitY in Intensive Treatment Unit nurses
IRAS ID
319522
Contact name
Christopher J Mullington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Airborne Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to prevent disease transmission in high-risk scenarios. During the COVID-19 pandemic its use increased, and this trend is predicted to continue. Although airborne PPE is effective, it limits heat loss and thus places wearers at risk of heat illness. Simulations demonstrate that 2-hours use results in heat exhaustion, low mood and impaired performance. However, it is not known if these findings are generalisable to clinical settings. ITU nurses are at high-risk of suffering adverse effects because they routinely wear airborne PPE for long periods. This randomised-controlled cross-over study aims to quantify the heat stress associated with wearing airborne PPE during ITU nursing shifts and to evaluate its short- and long-term impact on physical and mental wellbeing.
Thirty ITU nurses will be recruited at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust during winter 2022-2023. Temperature, heart rate, hydration, physical activity, heat illness biomarkers, mood and cognitive function will be recorded during two 12-hour shifts. Comparisons will be made between “airborne PPE” shifts and “normal attire” shifts. A sub-group will undertake semi-structured interviews to examine the long-term impact of airborne PPE use.
We predict the results will highlight the need for investment in interventions that limit the adverse effects of airborne PPE use.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EM/0014
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion