Respiratory pathogens can be easily spread between people in healthcare and community settings. Effective respiratory protection is critical in shielding healthcare workers who are at high risk of infection. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of respiratory protection in healthcare settings, but also in preventing the spread of new viruses within the community. In this webinar, two presenters who specialize in epidemiology and infection control will discuss the basics of respiratory disease transmission and how face masks and respirators reduce risks. They will describe different types of respiratory protection, key features of each, and provide tips to support decision-making for how and when each should be used. Recent research on the effectiveness of different types of respiratory protection will be summarized and synthesized into practical, evidence-based recommendations for improving safety in healthcare settings and the community. 

Instructors

Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH
President and CEO, Ofstead & Associates, Inc.
Cori Ofstead is an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience designing and conducting studies about the impact of clinical processes on patient outcomes. She has served as the Principal Investigator on numerous studies related to infection prevention, instrument reprocessing, and vaccination against infectious diseases. Ms. Ofstead is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking research, and her studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals including CHEST, AJIC, ICHE, Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy International Open, Urology, Journal of Wound Care, Gastroenterology Nursing, and Vaccine. She currently serves as a reviewer for AJIC, The Journal of Hospital Infection, Endoscopy, and the Journal of Urology, and is an active member of the editorial board for AJIC. She has presented the findings of her studies at national and international conferences sponsored by the CDC, APIC, HSPA, AORN, SGNA, AGA, ASGE, and several universities. 

Krystina M. Hopkins, MPH
Krystina Hopkins was a research manager with Ofstead & Associates, Inc. before moving on to a
frontline quality management position at a local hospital. She has an MPH in environmental health,
specializing in infectious disease. Her research has been published in AJIC, ICHE, Endoscopy International
Open, Journal of Wound Care, Urology, AORN Journal, BI&T, and HSPA’s PROCESS
magazine. Ms. Hopkins has over 15 years of hands-on health and healthcare-related research
experience in diverse in-patient, outpatient, and academic settings. Prior to joining Ofstead in 2017, she
supported clinical trials in environmental health, health economics, and community-based research as a
research project manager at Medica Research Institute. Ms. Hopkins was also involved with projects
related to molecular and microbiology, epidemiology, infectious disease, and occupational health in
various roles at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health

Objectives

By the end of this one-hour webinar, participants will be able to:
• Explain the importance of respiratory protection in protecting themselves and others
• Describe the different types of respiratory protection
• Discuss the impact of different mask products on droplet and aerosol transmission
• Use evidence in making decisions about extended use, reuse, and decontamination strategies