Activity

Activity Description

The Institute of Medicine will conduct a study that examines respiratory protection curricula in occupational health nursing programs. The IOM committee will begin by examining the current respiratory protection curricula and training approaches used by the NIOSH Education and Research Centers for Occupational Safety and Health (ERCs) and other occupational health programs. Based on this review, the committee will develop recommendations to improve training on the selection (including situation assessment), use, care and maintenance of respirators. It will aim to address the following questions:

• What essential content should be incorporated in occupational health nursing education and training programs to produce professionals who are fully aware and informed about respiratory protection technologies?
• What are the best approaches for teaching that content so that effective respiratory protection programs are implemented?

As part of its data-gathering activities, the committee will plan and conduct a public workshop with input from the ERCs and relevant professional organizations, along with input from staff of health care and other employers where occupational health nurses are involved in training staff on respirator use. The committee will produce a letter report with its findings and recommendations.