Impact of the Surgical Mask on the Patient-nurse Relation in Primary Care

The Impact of the Surgical Mask on the Relationship Between Patient and Family Nurse in Primary Care

The goal of this study is to inspect the effect of nurses wearing the surgical mask on their patients' satisfaction with the relationship. All participants will initially be treated without the mask. Then, half will be treated with the mask and the other half will be treated without the mask.

The use of the surgical mask has well-known benefits for both the patient and the professional regarding the control of infection contamination. However, its use is left to individual criteria, and is passed on from generation to generation of nurses through experiential, intuitive knowledge. Studies are necessary to support the use of the surgical mask.

Research indicates that wearing the mask affects perception of words, thus influencing patient-nurse communication. However, it might also affect the very nurse--patient relation. For example, it can convey the idea of personal distancing, which can either be appreciated by patients as dutiful professional care by the nurse, or viewed as a limit imposed on interpersonal communication and on the relationship.

This study inspects patient satisfaction about (1) interpersonal aspects and (2) professionalism in the patient-nurse relationship when the mask is used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients suffering from chronic wounds
• Age: 18 years or older
• Know how to read and write in Portuguese
• Confirmed autopsychic and allopsychic orientation
• Maintain previous relation with the nurse of at least 18 months
• Need at least two consecutive treatments with the nurse

Exclusion Criteria:

• Failing to meet the above criteria