We tested new FFP2 masks at the Real World Lab

Within the framework of the Real World Lab (RWL), an initiative of the IDIAPJGol Innovation Commission to validate and test new solutions within the health sector, a qualitative and quantitative methodology study and an economic evaluation study have been developed with the objective of to analyze the differences between the FFP2 Proveil® mask (developed by the CSIC and Bionicia and marketed by the Tarragona company Gomà-Camps) and the standard FFP2 used in Primary Care Centers.

Proveil® is a mask with an extremely thin layer of nanofibers, with diameters more than ten times smaller than conventional fibers, which provides highly effective filtration for small particles in the air without the efficiency being reduced by humidity, heat or other environmental conditions.

Last summer, as a result of an agreement between Gomà-Camps and IDIAPJGol, a study was carried out with 50 health professionals from CAP Sant Pere de Reus and 50 from CAP Manso and Sant Martí de Barcelona.

The study design was prepared by a multidisciplinary team from IDIAPJGol. According to Dr. Anna Berenguera, responsible for the qualitative part, "the study allowed us to explore the barriers, facilitators and discursive experiences after the use of each type of mask through individual semi-structured interviews". The conclusions suggest that the experience with the use of the FFP2-CSIC 2 mask is very good. Mainly, the participants highlight the comfort, comfort, adaptability in the face, the ease of breathing and that it is more fluid and less forced than the rest of the masks used.

The comments of some professionals during the trial were “I have tried many masks in recent months and this one, in addition to being comfortable and adaptable, I like because it does not remove hair” (female> 40 years old, smoker); or “I suffer from different diseases and this mask is more comfortable, soft and comfortable. I feel safe and comfortable for work without noticing itching or general discomfort as I do with others ”(male,> 40 years old, comorbidities).

The study included different sociodemographic variables, possible comorbidities (epidermal lesions, for example), as well as thermal comfort, respiratory distress, ease of communication or visual limitation, among others.

According to Dr. Diana Puente, one of the researchers in charge of the project, “the quantitative analysis was complemented with the qualitative study, thus reinforcing the results obtained from the quantification of the analysis of the indicators and making the results more rigorous”.

On the other hand, an economist from IDIAPJGol, Marc Casajuana, comments that the results “show us how with the use of these masks, without losing security for professionals, the system could save money. Furthermore, as they are reusable, they would allow them to be more sustainable”.

Finally, and as Dr. Puente and the management of the center comment, “we want to thank the participation of the 100 professionals from the CAPs of Reus, Manso and Sant Martí who have allowed this study to be carried out. Their participation and their commitment have been fundamental”.

Gomà-Camps is a Catalan company with 260 years of history that employs 450 people and has as one of its objectives & nbsp; be the benchmark in the paper sector through recycling, differentiation and excellence, guaranteeing sustainable growth. The company and the institute hope to collaborate again in the future on other projects.