Prevention of contaminated aerosol and the transmission during nebulized therapy in hospital settings: a systematic review

Abstract

Inhalation nebulization therapy is important for administering medications to patients in aerosolized form. However, there are persistent apprehensions in healthcare settings regarding aerosol contamination because of the significant infection risk. Despite rigorous adherence to established hospital protocols, concerns about potential contamination and transmission persist, raising considerable apprehension about nosocomial pneumonia. This condition shows the urgent need for implementing highly effective strategies to ensure patient safety during nebulization therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to review current investigations, focusing on interventions to mitigate aerosol contamination and minimize the transmission of contaminated aerosols. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this systematic review included an exhaustive analysis of randomized and non-randomized clinical trials as well as, simulated experimental and in vitro studies published in English in the past decade. A meticulous search was conducted across four major databases, namely ScienceDirect, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL), PubMed, and Scopus. A total of 37 pertinent studies were identified and subjected to rigorous analysis. The preventive measures include a range of strategies, such as the use of masks by therapists, thorough disinfection of nebulizers, integration of filters, and regular environmental cleaning in the vicinity of the patient. In conclusion, these multifaceted interventions are significant in preventing the administration of contaminated aerosols and curbing the proliferation of infectious agents in the hospital environment.

Keywords

• Aerosol contamination
• nebulized therapy
• nosocomial pneumonia
• prevention strategies