Universal use of surgical masks is tolerated and prevents respiratory viral infection in stem cell transplant recipients

Prevention of respiratory viral infection in stem cell transplant patients is important due to its high risk of adverse outcome. This single-centre, mixed methods study, conducted before the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 pandemic, explored the barriers and facilitators to a policy of universal mask use by visitors and healthcare workers, and examined the impact of the first year of introduction of the policy on respiratory viral infection rates compared with preceding years, adjusted for overall incidence. Education around universal mask use was highlighted as being particularly important in policy implementation. A significant decrease in respiratory viral infection was observed following introduction. (C) 2021 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study, conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the impact of a universal mask use policy on respiratory viral infection rates in stem cell transplant patients. The findings showed a significant decrease in respiratory viral infections after the implementation of the policy. Education was highlighted as a key factor in the successful implementation of the policy.