GPs recorded one of the lowest respirators fit-testing rates among healthcare workers in Australia. Research findings indicate that it could be less than 5%.
Occupational health experts said that GPs working in areas with high COVID cases should get respirators fit-testing.
This came after research indicates that only 4% of 138 respondents had been fit-tested
Dr. Mian Bi, one of the organisers of the survey said that GPs are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to low rates of respirators test.
Dr. Micheal Tam, member of the RACGP Expert Committee—Quality Care (REC-QC) said that GPs in Victoria and New South Wales, with high COVID-19 rates, should consider wearing respirators.
He added that if a GPs wears N95, it should be fit-tested.
He added that prioritising healthcare workers should be forwarded and this consists of procedures such as respirators fit-testing.
Infections amongst GPs still occur despite the transition to telehealth.
In Victoria, there is a 30% chance of healthcare workers contracting COVID-19 infections that’s why fit testing remains to be a significant matter to discuss.
Viral transmission amongst healthcare workers is the leading reason for COVID spread in Victoria, accounting for almost 65% of the total cases in the state.
This particular indicator pushed health authorities to continually forward fit-testing amongst healthcare professionals.
The recent testing trials received criticisms from healthcare workers and different medical groups because of its inadequacy to deal with the existing issue.
A frontline emergency physician in Melbourne said that his protective gears turn out to be inadequate in protecting him.
He said that his experience should not happen to other healthcare professionals like him considering the higher risk of exposure to the virus linked to their jobs.
He added that the government’s lack of immediate response to the matter is unacceptable.
Kate Cole, a leading occupational hygienist said that testing respirators preempt better protection.
Having your P2 or N95 fit-tested ensures health professionals who use it for the adequate and proper protection needed.
Another GP who works in COVID-19 hotspots, Dr. Ern Chang organised a unit that would carry out fit-testing procedures for his colleagues.
Dr. Chang actively engages other health professionals to be aware of the threat of untested respirators.
Despite the potential shortages of P2/N95 respirators in Victoria, Safer Care Australia ensures that they will be continuously monitoring the stocks available for the healthcare professionals.
