Hidden Costs of Traditional Mask Use in Healthcare: Changing the Face of Mask Wear

by Anne McIntosh, Ph.D.

Introduction: Masks—More Than Just Protection

While traditional surgical masks are a cornerstone of infection control in healthcare, their usage has unintended consequences that hinder communication, compromise patient safety, and increase healthcare costs. These “hidden costs” are rarely considered in budgeting or decision-making, yet they touch every corner of clinical operations—from patient outcomes to legal risk.

1. Communication Breakdowns: Four Costly Barriers

Traditional masks muffle speech and obscure the mouth, impairing verbal communication and non-verbal cues. Various types of communication breakdown can lead to:

• Medical Errors: A 2008 BMJ study estimated U.S. medical errors cost $17–$29 billion annually. Communication breakdown is a key contributor.
• Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs): The CDC reports that The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and Emerging Infections Program Healthcare-Associated Infections- Community Interface (EIP HAIC) provides the statistic of one in 31 patients acquires an HAI, costing up to $45 billion annually.
• Unsafe Discharges: Journal for Nurse Practitioners reports that receiving nursing care staff can spend hours sorting through medical records to review patients’ hospitalizations. In short, poor communication leads to fragmented handoffs and discharges, costing the system trillions.
• Hospital Readmissions: Clear understanding and adherence to discharge instructions reduce readmissions. A JAMA Network Open study found communication interventions significantly improved medication adherence and lower readmission rates.

2. Emotional Disconnect: Lower Patient Satisfaction and Trust

Facial expressions are vital for empathy and reassurance. Nonverbal communication, such as smiles cannot be underestimated. Traditional masks obscure facial expressions that affect emotional connection, leading to:

• Increased patient anxiety and reduced trust.
• Compromised satisfaction scores (HCAHPS), which directly impact value-based reimbursement.  In 2019, $1.9 billion was available in value-based payments. Hospitals with top satisfaction scores received the largest share.
  (Source: Relias, 2024)

3. Clinical Consequences Beyond the Obvious

There can be clinical consequences that initially, we are not aware at first. Discovering how standard mask use may have impacted baby IQ is an example that has continuing. A 2022 study identifying developmental delays in pediatric patients has questioned if traditional mask use was responsible for the lower IQ scores.  Emerging studies suggest prolonged use of opaque masks may impact toddlers’ cognitive and social development by limiting exposure to facial cues.

(Source: JAMA Pediatrics, 2022).  Other clinical consequences of the inability to communicate clearly can lead to medication misunderstandings, improper post-op follow-up, and continue a cascade of consequences that were not intended or positive.

4. Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance

• ADA Compliance: Clear communication is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act, especially for patients who lipread. With patients satisfied with how healthcare facilities met their needs, per ADA, referrals can increase. Additional cost savings in not paying financial penalties or legal fees associated with reduction in lawsuits.
• Litigation Protection: Enhanced communication reduces the risk of legal action stemming from misunderstandings or perceived negligence. Healthcare is better positioned in communication-based lawsuits with innovative medical products that addresses communication accessibility.

A Better Alternative: The Communicator™ Mask

FDA-cleared in Level 1 (2017) and Level 3 (2022) models, The Communicator™ Surgical Mask includes a clear window that allows visibility of the mouth while maintaining full protective standards.

Key Benefits

• Clarity in Communication: Visual access to the mouth supports better understanding for all, especially those relying on lipreading or visual cues.
• Improved Emotional Engagement: Patients respond more positively when they can see their provider’s expressions.
• System-Wide Cost Savings:
  • Fewer readmissions and HAIs
  • Faster, safer discharges
  • Reduced lawsuits that are communication-based
  • Boosted HCAHPS scores and value-based reimbursements

A Win-Win-Win Solution

Rarely does a change benefit the all parties without an expense to another; but, there is clearly a win-win-win for patients, providers, and healthcare systems to discontinue standard mask and convert to clear window mask usage.

For Patients: Better care, more trust, comfort, and compliance
For Providers: Better rapport, increased workforce efficiency, and clinical accuracy
For Healthcare Systems: Higher patient satisfaction, lower costs, stronger ADA compliance, and reduced liability

Conclusion: Revolutionize Healthcare by Changing the Face of Mask Wear

Traditional masks protect—but they also isolate, obscure, and complicate. The Communicator™ mask solves these hidden problems, transforming healthcare communication from a risk to a relationship. By investing in this simple innovation, healthcare systems can unlock savings, improve outcomes, and deliver a more human-centered approach to care.