CONCLUSIONS
Where attempts to deliberately raise voice or shout through PPE were
simulated, understanding significantly improved as expected. Raising of
voice for prolonged periods may lead to issues with voice strain and
abuse, in addition to frustration or miscommunication. We hope that now
communication difficulties have been demonstrated, this will help drive
attempts to mitigate these issues for healthcare workers emerging from
the Covid-19 pandemic. We hope our findings can inform the ongoing use
of PPE once elective healthcare provision is restarted and for the
future, facing whatever pandemics may lie ahead.