Assessing the efficacy of 3D-printed ear protectors on mask adherence at an academic ophthalmology center

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dc.contributor.authorMeer, Elanaen_US
dc.contributor.authorNguyen, Brian Jen_US
dc.contributor.authorChoi, Daniel Jen_US
dc.contributor.authorO’Brien, Joan Men_US
dc.contributor.authorAddis, Victoria Men_US
dc.contributor.authorTapino, Paul Jen_US
dc.date.accessioned2023-08-25T06:32:04Z
dc.date.available2023-08-25T06:32:04Z
dc.date.issued2022-02
dc.description.abstractPurpose: In the ophthalmology setting, given the close proximity required for the clinical exam, appropriate mask usage and fit is essential. This study aims to assess how a simple, cost?effective 3D?printed face mask ear protectors (EP) attachment may decrease discomfort, increase compliance, and improve fit in an academic institution’s Ophthalmology department. Methods: Face mask EPs were distributed to patients and providers in the Ophthalmology department. A validated questionnaire was administered before and 2 weeks after EP usage. The survey included questions on demographics and frequency of mask usage during a spectrum of activities. Descriptive statistics were performed with Fischer’s t test. Results: Post-EP responses demonstrated an increased likelihood of mask usage across all activities, although not statistically significant. The greatest change was during outdoor activities, with a 14.3% increase in highest utilization. Post?EP, all subjects were very likely to wear masks while shopping and 91.7% while in the workplace. EP usage decreased the number of noncompliant individuals while spending time with friends and family by 93.3%. Almost no subjects reported mask removal of >15 times per hour post?EP. The increase in mask compliance was greatest for low mask utilizers. 91.9% reported improved comfort, 91.9% reported improved fit, and 81.6% reported increased mask usage. Conclusion: Our results suggest that simple cost?effective 3D?printed ear protectors may improve fit, comfort, and overall mask compliance. The results of this study should drive broader public health efforts to further investigate whether mask attachments can improve overall mask compliance through better comfort and fiten_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsDepartment of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAen_US
dc.identifier.affiliationsPerelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USAen_US
dc.identifier.citationMeer Elana, Nguyen Brian J, Choi Daniel J, O’Brien Joan M, Addis Victoria M, Tapino Paul J. Assessing the efficacy of 3D-printed ear protectors on mask adherence at an academic ophthalmology center. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2022 Feb; 70(2): 635-640en_US
dc.identifier.issn1998-3689
dc.identifier.issn0301-4738
dc.identifier.placeIndiaen_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/224156
dc.languageenen_US
dc.publisherAll India Ophthalmological Societyen_US
dc.relation.issuenumber2en_US
dc.relation.volume70en_US
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.4103/ijo.IJO_1211_21en_US
dc.subject3D printing in ophthalmologyen_US
dc.subjectface mask ear protectorsen_US
dc.subjectinfectious diseaseen_US
dc.subjectmask complianceen_US
dc.subjectmask fiten_US
dc.subjectpublic healthen_US
dc.titleAssessing the efficacy of 3D-printed ear protectors on mask adherence at an academic ophthalmology centeren_US
dc.typeJournal Articleen_US
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