Taylor BL, Montgomery HE, Rhodes A, Sprung CL. Chapter 6. Protection of patients and staff during a pandemic. Recommendations and standard operating procedures for intensive care unit and hospital preparations for an influenza epidemic or mass disaster.
Intensive Care Med 2010;
36 Suppl 1:S45-54. [PMID:
20213421 PMCID:
PMC7080106 DOI:
10.1007/s00134-010-1764-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
To provide recommendations and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital preparations for an influenza pandemic or mass disaster with a specific focus on protection of patients and staff.
METHODS
Based on a literature review and expert opinion, a Delphi process was used to define the essential topics including protection of patients and staff.
RESULTS
Key recommendations include: (1) prepare infection control and occupational health policies for clinical risks relating to potential disease transmission; (2) decrease clinical risks and provide adequate facilities through advanced planning to maximise capacity by increasing essential equipment, drugs, supplies and encouraging staff availability; (3) create robust systems to maintain staff confidence and safety by minimising non-clinical risks and maintaining or escalating essential services; (4) prepare formal reassurance plans for legal protection; (5) provide assistance to staff working outside their normal domains.
CONCLUSIONS
Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for protection of patients and staff are necessary to optimise outcomes during a pandemic.
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