Logo image
Back
Best practices for communication while wearing facemasks: A scoping review
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Best practices for communication while wearing facemasks: A scoping review

Clarissa A Shaw, Kyu Ri Lee, Alexander Williams, Nathan A Shaw, Delaney Weeks, Lainie Jackson and Kristine N Williams
Journal of nursing scholarship, Vol.56(2), pp.227-238
03/2024
DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12939
PMCID: PMC10922106
PMID: 37937861
Appears in  UI Libraries Support Open Access
url
https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12939View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Facemasks are an important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the spread of respiratory illnesses, but they can impede communication between patients and healthcare providers. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify effective communication practices while wearing facemasks. DESIGN Scoping review using a systematic search of articles from the PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase databases. METHODS The PEO (population, exposure, outcome) methodology was selected for this systematic scoping review. The population of interest (P) includes humans of all ages (children, adults, and older adults); the exposure of interest (E) is PPE that covers the mouth (i.e., facemasks); and the outcome of interest (O) is successful or unsuccessful communication practices. The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals appraisal guidelines were used to determine the level and quality of the research. RESULTS Thirty-nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Seventeen of these were high- or good-quality research studies, and the remaining 22 were non-research articles included with separate analysis as part of the scoping review. The 17 articles encompassed 2656 participants. The highest quality evidence indicated that standard surgical masks have the least impact on speech perception compared to other non-transparent mask types, and that recognizing emotions is less accurate with facemasks, necessitating compensatory actions (i.e., reducing extraneous noise, using a microphone to amplify voice, and employing clear speech). Evidence was contradictory regarding the use of transparent masks. Evidence was of limited quality for other non-verbal and verbal communication strategies. CONCLUSION Awareness of communication challenges is crucial when wearing facemasks. More high-quality studies are needed to evaluate communication techniques when speakers are wearing facemasks. Basic strategies such as selecting an appropriate mask type, reducing extraneous noise, using microphones, verbalizing emotions, and employing clear speech appear to be beneficial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The findings of this scoping review highlight the importance of considering communication challenges while wearing facemasks in the healthcare settings. The review suggests that selecting an appropriate mask type, reducing extraneous noise, verbalizing emotions, and employing clear speech are some strategies that may be effective in mitigating the impact of facemasks on communication between patients and healthcare providers.
 Nonverbal Communication UIOWA OA Agreement clear speech N95 personal protective equipment surgical masks verbal communication

Details

Metrics

16 Record Views
4 Times Cited - Web of Science
Logo image