User experience of air purifiers for the purpose of reducing acute respiratory tract infections: A cross-sectional survey in residential aged care settings

Abstract

Background A recent randomised controlled trial has identified that air purification within residential aged care settings may reduce acute respiratory tract infections. User acceptability and experience with air purifiers are important components of the evaluation of this novel intervention. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with residents and care staff in residential aged care facilities. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used to examine acceptability and fixed response, and open-ended questions were used to explore experiences. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Content analysis with a deductive approach was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions. Results Between the 30th of September and the 2nd of November 2023, 38 residents with a median age of 89 years (IQR = 9) and 48 care staff with a median age of 45 years (IQR = 19) completed surveys. All residents and care staff participants found having an air purifier in residents' rooms acceptable. All residents and most care staff participants expressed positive experiences with air purifier use. Most residents (76.3 %) were satisfied with the air purifier’s current features. Conclusion The survey has provided evidence of participants' high level of acceptability of using air purifiers in residential aged care facilities and their positive experiences with air purifier use. This research has demonstrated that in-room air purification was acceptable to both residents and care staff. The findings from this study may inform future large-scale projects to implement air purification technology into healthcare systems.