Am J Infect Control

BackgroundLessons learned from the influenza A (H1N1) virus revealed a need to better understand hospitals\u2019 respiratory protection programmatic practice gaps. This article reports findings from a multistate assessment of hospitals\u2019 adherence to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration\u2019s respiratory protection program (RPP) requirements and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s infection control guidance.MethodsOnsite surveys were conducted in 98 acute care hospitals in 6 U.S. states, including >1,500 hospital managers, unit managers, and health care workers. Descriptive statistics were used to assess hospital adherence.ResultsMost acute care hospitals adhere to requirements for initial medical evaluations, fit testing, training, and recommended respiratory protection when in close contact with patients who have suspected or confirmed seasonal influenza. Low hospital adherence was found for respiratory protection with infectious diseases requiring airborne precautions, aerosol-generating procedures with seasonal influenza, and checking of the respirator\u2019s user seal. Hospitals\u2019 adherence was also low with follow-up program evaluations, medical re-evaluations, and respirator maintenance.ConclusionEfforts should be made to closely examine ways of strengthening hospitals\u2019 RPPs to ensure the program\u2019s ongoing effectiveness and workers\u2019 proper selection and use of respiratory protection. Implications for improved RPPs and practice are discussed.20152016-01-01T00:00:00ZCC999999/Intramural CDC HHS/United StatesU36/CCU300430/PHS HHS/United States25564126PMC4548927754