SHIELD Research Study

Click here to join the study!

Overview:

Dr. Nasia Safdar and Dr. Daniel Shirley at UW-Madison are doing a research study to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a povidone iodine (PI) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) decolonization procedure for healthcare workers.

We invite all healthcare workers to participate in this study.  Compensation of $50 will be provided upon completion.

Purpose:

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate if the use of nasal povidone iodine (PI) and oral chlorhexidine glyconate (CHG) may reduce the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from patients with COVID-19 to the healthcare workers caring for them.  We are doing this research because healthcare workers are in close contact with COVID-19 patients, and PI and CHG have been shown to have virucidal effects against coronaviruses like SARS.  If so, PI and CHG may be a useful addition to standard infection control equipment and procedures for healthcare workers (like hand hygiene and personal protective equipment).

Participants who choose to participate in this trial will be asked to decolonize their nose using povidone iodine nasal swabs and their mouth using chlorhexidine mouthwash while providing direct patient care to patients with COVID-19.

While using the nasal PI and oral CHG, participants will also be asked to collect nasal swabs from about 2 cm inside their nostrils three times per week during the study period.  These nasal swabs will be used to measure the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic material.

Participation in this study is voluntary.  Please contact the research coordinators at shield@medicine.wisc.edu or call (608) 262-6560 with questions about this study.

If you are interested in participating, please click here for more detailed information and to enroll in the study.