The Evolution of the National Special Pathogen System of Care

Building a biocontainment unit: Infrastructure and organizational experiences of the 13 regional biocontainment units in the United States

In the United States, the system for special pathogen patient care incorporates a network of federally funded US biocontainment units that maintain operational readiness to care for patients afflicted by high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). This network has expanded in number of facilities and in scope, serving as a regional resource for special pathogen preparedness. Lessons learned for maintaining these units are shared with the intent of informing new and existing biocontainment units.

A practical approach to preparing your ICU for epidemics and pandemics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Major outbreaks of infectious diseases, including epidemics and pandemics, are increasing in scope and frequency, threatening public health and straining the capacity of health systems worldwide. High-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), including highly pathogenic respiratory viruses and viral hemorrhagic fevers, are both contagious and virulent, and these pathogens thus are topics of special concern for pandemic planning.

RECENT FINDINGS

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how a major disease outbreak can negatively impact all aspects of hospital functioning. Identification of patients with HCIDs needs careful clinical evaluation and coordination with public health authorities. Staff safety and patient care require appropriate infection prevention precautions, including personal protective equipment. Surges of ill patients may lead to significant strain, with increased ICU patient mortality. Strategies to reduce the impact of surge appear to reduce mortality, such as tiered staffing models and load-leveling across health systems.

SUMMARY

Pandemics and HCIDs are a significant threat to global health, and ICUs play a major role in the care of affected patients. Critical care professionals must work to ensure that our hospitals are prepared to identify and care for these patients in advance of the next emergency.