Implementation of a Non-Invasive Helmet Ventilation Solution for the Management of Severe COVID-19 Respiratory Disease in Nigeria: The CircumVent Project
Authors: Ahonkhai Aima A. , Abdu Aliyu , Adekanmbi Olukemi , Ajayi Nnennaya A. , Ajayi Samuel , Akpobi Happy , Akpochafo Ejiro Benjamin , Aliyu Muktar H. , Ayuk Adaeze C , Dada Adedamola A. , Ezechi Oliver C. , Falade Catherine O. , Horstein Alex , Olusola Idowu , Idigbe Ifeoma , Mogaj Sunday , Morenikeji Aleem A. , Musa Baba M. , Nwosu Nnamdi I. , Odewabi Adenike A , Ofokotun Igho , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Ogueh Onome , Oyewole Temitope O , Sotannde Adeshola I. , Steinbach Alan B. , Ulasi Ifeoma I. , Ukwaj Kingsley N. , Unigwe Uchechukwu S. , Usman Olagoke A. , Uzoke Cyril , Musa Adesola Z. , Rotimi Muyiwa K. , Akase Iorhen E. , Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Fenton André A. , Salako Babatunde L. 
Published: September 2022

Affordable novel strategies are needed to treat COVID-19 cases complicated by respiratory compromise in resource limited settings. We report a mixed-methods pre-post assessment of 1) the useability of CPAP/O2 helmet non-invasive ventilation (NIV) to treat COVID-19, at ∼ 1% the cost of mechanical ventilation; 2) the effectiveness of a train-the-trainer practice facilitation intervention; and 3) whether use of CPAP/O2 helmet NIV was associated with increased COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers. At baseline, eight COVID-19 treatment centers in Nigeria (CircumVent network) received CPAP/O2 helmet systems, and were instructed on its use. After five months, clinicians within the CircumVent netwok participated in a 2-day train-the-trainers educational intervention. The physicians completed i) standardized forms on patient demographics, clinical course, and outcomes for patients seen in the treatment centers; ii) standardized surveys of feasibility and acceptability of use of CPAP/O2 helmet systems; and iii) in-depth-interviews to explore facilitators and barriers to implementation of CPAP/O2 helmet NIV. Physicians described the CPAP/O2 helmet ventilator as easy to use and they felt comfortable training their staff on its use. They rated CPAP/O2 helmet NIV as feasible, acceptable, and appropriate (mean score of 4.0, 3.8, and 3.9 out of 5, respectively, on standardized scales). Case report forms for 546 patients with suspected and/or confirmed COVID-19 infection were obtained between May 2020 and November 2021. Of these, 69% (n=376) were treated before the training; and 29.7% (n=162) were treated with CPAP/O2 helmet ventilation. CPAP/O2 helmet NIV was well-tolerated by patients, with 12% reporting claustrophobia, and 2% reporting loose- or tight-fitting helmets. Although patient outcomes improved among CPAP/O2 helmet users overall, this was not associated with training (P=0.2). This finding persisted after adjustment for disease severity at presentation. Serosurvey of 282 health workers across treatment centers revealed that 40% (n=112) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2. Seropositivity was significantly associated with direct contact with COVID-19 patients and limited access to PPE and hand hygiene during aerosol generating procedures (P = 0.02), but not use of CPAP/O2 helmet (P’s ≥ 0.2). In conclusion, physicians effectively used CPAP/O2 helmet NIV systems to treat COVID-19 patients in Nigeria without need for practice facilliation of their training and without increased risk of infection among healthcare workers. The use of CPAP/O2 helmet NIV could be an important strategy for treating individuals with COVID-19 infection and other disease conditions complicated by respiratory distress, particularly in settings were resources such mechanical ventilation are limited.