Using HEPA filtration to reduce COVID-19 transmission in hospital settings
Baldachin-Study: Ceiling HEPA-filtration to Prevent Nosocomial Transmission of COVID-19 in Open-space Multiple Bed Patient Areas
This study is testing if using a special air filter in hospital rooms can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 among patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern, Canton Of Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT05648097 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a mobile high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration unit, called 'Baldachin', in preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among patients in an open-space Intermediate Care Unit. The intervention will be implemented in areas where patients with confirmed COVID-19 are housed alongside other patients, aiming to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. The study will compare infection rates between rooms equipped with the Baldachin filtration system and those without it, assessing the proportion of new infections among exposed patients after four days. This approach seeks to enhance existing infection control measures in hospital settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult inpatients in open-space Intermediate Care Units with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in hospital environments, protecting vulnerable patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of HEPA filtration in healthcare settings is established, this specific application for COVID-19 transmission prevention is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult inpatients of included open-space IMC units with lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptom onset or date of test ≤10 days prior inclusion. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy, unability to give consent (e.g. informed consent form not available in patient language or non-judicious)
Where this trial is running
Bern, Canton Of Bern
- Inselspital Bern University Hospital — Bern, Canton Of Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Philipp Jent, MD — Department of Infectious Diseases Inselspital Bern University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Philipp Jent, MD
- Email: philipp.jent@insel.ch
- Phone: +41 31 632 99 92
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.