THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES (NCT07404956) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
THE EFFECT OF SURGICAL MASK AND N95 MASK USE ON SURGICAL SMOKE IN OPERATING ROOM NURSES
Turkey (Türkiye)38 participantsStarted 2024-09-15
Plain-language summary
This study was conducted to compare the effect of surgical mask and N95 mask use on physical symptoms due to surgical smoke in operating theatre nurses. The study, which was conducted in a single-group prospective quasi-experimental design, was completed with 38 nurses in the operating theatre unit of a state hospital in the Western Black Sea Region. Data were collected for four weeks using the Descriptive Information Form, Numerical Rating Scale and Symptom Follow-up Form. According to the findings, muscle weakness, myalgia in the upper extremities and muscle cramps were statistically significantly less in nurses using N95 masks. Respiratory parameters, watery eyes and redness were significantly lower in nurses using surgical masks. As a result, it was determined that the type of mask was effective on the incidence of physical symptoms related to surgical smoke.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Willingness to participate in the study
* Aged 18 years or older
* Working as a sterile operating room nurse at least 4 hours per day, 5 days per week
* Compliance with the protocol requiring continuous use of both surgical mask and N95 mask for at least 4 hours per day
* Ability to communicate verbally and provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosed psychiatric disorders
* Presence of chronic respiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological diseases
* Presence of chronic dermatological conditions or allergies affecting the facial or respiratory area
* Speech or communication impairments
* Pregnancy
* Holding a supervisory role (e.g., charge nurse) or non-sterile nursing role
* Planned unit change or rotation during the study period
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study is comparing surgical masks versus N95 masks for protecting operating room nurses from surgical smoke — given that I work in an OR and already experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or fatigue at work, is this trial something worth discussing with my occupational health team?
2The trial is measuring symptom severity using a numerical rating scale for things like nausea, muscle aches, eye irritation, and shortness of breath — if I participate, how will my symptoms be tracked over time and what happens if they worsen during the study?
3Since this trial has no assigned phase and is observational or comparative in nature rather than testing a new drug or device, what does that mean for my personal risk if I enroll, and are there any workplace protections in place during the study?
4The study is actively recruiting operating room nurses specifically — if I don't meet the criteria or my workplace isn't involved, are there other evidence-based steps I could take right now to reduce my exposure to surgical smoke on the job?
5Given that the trial is measuring physical outcomes like heart rate and blood oxygen levels alongside self-reported symptoms, would my doctor or occupational health provider want to review my current baseline health data before I consider joining?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.