A: The Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists is supportive of investigating the procurement and use of clear face masks where appropriate as part of PPE provision. This mask will need to have the required levels of protection as part of the manufacture.
There is a communication challenge for all regarding reduced clarity and audibility while wearing PPE, and all of us who are sighted make use of lip reading and facial expressions to communicate. Facial expressions are particularly important when we are stressed or unwell or in a noisy or unfamiliar environment, so clear face masks would potentially have a general benefit.
There is though, an issue of equality in respect of the deaf community and those with hearing impairment, who may rely on lip reading to communicate on an equal basis.
It is also the case that the appearance of opaque PPE may be distressing or confusing for others with communication challenge, including potentially people with aphasia, autism, with dementia or with learning disability. This again would have a general applicability to for example children, and those with delirium related to illness.
Furthermore, facial expressions are important for building rapport and demonstrating empathy – a smile can help make a connection and a ‘friendly face’ can be particularly helpful when in an unfamiliar environment and for individuals who are stressed or confused (Hatfield, Cacioppo & Rapson, 1999; Chartrand & Bargh, 1999; Dimberg, Thunberg & Grunedal, 2002)
We also support the undertaking of research to test these benefits.
RCSLT guidance on clear face masks