Use of bone conduction headsets to improve communication during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dear Editor,

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused EDs worldwide to anticipate and prepare for a surge in patients with respiratory symptoms. In the interest of protecting patients and healthcare workers, the ACEM has recommended negative pressure rooms where available for aerosol generating procedures. In addition, healthcare workers are recommended to wear personal protective equipment such as fit‐tested N95 or higher respirators, gloves, gown and eye protection when managing these patients. However, challenges in communication can occur because of physical barriers present in negative pressure rooms.

To improve communication between healthcare workers, baby monitors and walkie talkies have been used. , However, these devices have their own limitations, such as the potential use of non‐secure channels for communication, miscommunication between team utilising the same channel and potential obstruction of radiofrequencies.

Within our ED, we have effectively utilised handsfree bone conduction headsets to facilitate communication between staff within and outside negative pressure rooms (Fig. 1). These headsets connect to a phone through Bluetooth and utilises bone conduction technology to facilitate phone conversations. Prior to entering a negative pressure room, healthcare workers put on and connect these headsets, and make a phone call to an external phone held by staff outside the negative pressure room.

Figure 1

Use of wireless bone conduction headphones with personal protective equipment.

The key benefit of bone conduction headsets is the ability for healthcare workers to simultaneously listen to the patient, monitor for bedside alarms and communicate with colleagues both within and outside the negative pressure room. These devices are non‐obstructive to personal protective equipment, and do not require further adjustment once connected. Furthermore, given the use of a secure phone line and no reliance on radiofrequencies, voice clarity and patient privacy is potentially improved. The headsets used in our ED are water resistant, allowing for these devices to be routinely cleaned without device damage. However, an inherent disadvantage of using these headsets is the need for multiple devices for large teams, which can increase costs for the department.

Facilitating effective communication between patients and healthcare workers is vital in the current pandemic. Unlike traditional earpieces, bone conduction headsets do not prevent healthcare workers from hearing ambient noises and alarms at the patient's bedside. With its portability and non‐obstructiveness, these devices present a potential solution to improving effective communication and patient care, especially when managing patients in negative pressure rooms.

Competing interests

None declared.