Statement by the Commission for Infection Prevention and Hygiene in Healthcare and Nursing (KRINKO) on the indication-appropriate use of mouth-nose protection (MNS) in healthcare

TL;DR

This paper clarifies when mouth-nose protection should be used in healthcare to ensure proper infection control and resource sustainability.

Contribution

It provides structured guidance on appropriate and inappropriate use of different types of mouth-nose protection in healthcare settings.

Findings

Three types of MNS are defined with typical use cases for healthcare workers, patients, and visitors.

Examples of situations where MNS use is unnecessary are provided to prevent overuse.

Strict indication-based use can lead to more sustainable and responsible MNS application.

Abstract

When using a mouth-nose protection (MNS), the indications for their use are not always clear in practice, so that they are often worn even if it is not indicated for infection prevention and control (IPC). This affects the ecological balance and use of resources.

Indications and misindications for the use of MNS were extracted from KRINKO recommendations and other publications and presented in a structured manner.

Three types of MNS which are distinguished in the DIN EN 14683 are presented. Examples for typical indications for medical face masks for healthcare workers, patients and external persons are summarized. Examples of situations in which the use of medical face masks is not indicated are also shown. By reducing the use of medical face masks through strictly indication-based use, clarification of the areas of application for the three types of MNS, and differentiated and indication-based use of FFP2 masks, a responsible and sustainable use of medical face masks can be implemented in accordance with IPC measures.

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