Best Practices Identified in an Academic Hospital Emergency Department to Reduce Transmission of COVID-19.
Adv Emerg Nurs J
; 43(4): 355-362, 2021.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1575321
ABSTRACT
Emergency departments (EDs) are the point of entry for infectious diseases, making it necessary to reevaluate current practices and make adjustments to decrease transmission when presented with a novel viral infection. This article discusses strategies implemented in the ED to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) while identifying areas of needed change in creating a safe environment for patients, health care workers, and ancillary staff. A team approach is ultimately necessary for success; therefore, development of interprofessional teams was formed to mitigate any obstacles. Dissemination of the most current information regarding proper personal protective equipment use, triaging, patient flow, and treatment areas were implemented with weekly emails, videoconferencing, and daily huddles. Developing an efficient triage screening process, redesigning patient flow, and cohorting of patients and staff to a geographical location are essential to minimize transmission. Constant reevaluation of processes is necessary to meet all the needs of patients and health care staff to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Adv Emerg Nurs J
Journal subject:
Nursing
/
Emergency Medicine
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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