A Survey of COVID-19 Preparedness Among Hospitals in Idaho

Abstract

BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2, has been implicated in the largest recorded CoV outbreak to date. Initially the majority of COVID-19 cases were in China, but the virus has spread to more than 184 countries worldwide with the United States currently having more cases than any other country. OBJECTIVEWith person-to-person spread expanding in the United States, this study aims to describe hospital preparedness for managing suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey focused on various elements of respiratory disease preparedness SETTING Critical access hospital (CAHs) and acute care hospitals (ACHs) in Idaho METHODS The electronic survey was sent to infection preventionists (IPs) and nurse administrators in 44 hospitals in Idaho RESULTSIn all, 32 (73%) hospitals responded to the survey. Participating facilities reported their preparedness with respect to existing, formalized structures for managing infectious disease incidents-specifically COVID-19-as well as availability of resources, such as isolation rooms and personal protective equipment, for safely managing suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONSHospitals covered by the survey have varying levels of preparedness for managing COVID-19 cases, with differences across the various categories of interest in this study. While the study reveals strengths, including in application of emergency management and infection control frameworks, it also suggests that other areas, such as consistent implementation of federal guidelines and requirements for infection prevention, are potential areas for strengthening preparedness for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential.

Assessing severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) preparedness in US community hospitals: A forgotten entity

“…Our report is different from a recently reported survey of hospitals in Idaho that reported shortages of face shields. 7 Our survey highlights that face shields are less prone to shortages due to their simpler design, reuse potential, and durability. 8 More than half of the community hospitals in our network had employed strategies to extend the use of face masks, N95 respirators, gowns, face shields, and googles.…”

Investigation and public health response to a COVID-19 outbreak in a rural resort community — Blaine County, Idaho, 2020

“…22 A survey of COVID-19 preparedness among hospitals in Idaho identified inconsistent implementation of CDC guidelines for infection prevention, and only 8 of 21 (38%) critical access hospitals had a written respiratory protection program. 23 Limited isolation facilities pose a challenge, as only 2 (10%) critical access hospitals had an airborne infection isolation room.…”

Factors Affecting Hospital Readiness in Pandemic Situation: A Literature Review

“…Some studies conclude that the availability of pandemic preparedness planning system at the hospital can improve hospital preparedness for a pandemic (Reidy et al, 2015;Dewar et al, 2014;Adini et al, 2014;& Kanwar et al, 2020). The purpose of pandemic planning is to help hospitals be ready to recognize and manage influenza pandemics.…”

“…As in research Adini, Laor, & Aharonson-Daniel (2014), which states that the activities increasing knowledge and services during a pandemic simulations related to preparedness and capacity to respond to such an event. The training which is expected to be able to increase the readiness of hospitals and health care workersis training on how to use and release Personal Protective Equipment, training to screen patients and education about a pandemic disease (Kanwar et al, 2020)…”

“…The availability of better facilities for patients and health professionals is one of the factors for assessing hospital readiness in facing the pandemic. Kanwar et al, (2020) describes the facilities required during a pandemic is mask at each hospital entrance for visitors, information board about the procedures for infection control, isolation treatment rooms and a special line for isolation patient. In line with research Reidy et al, (2015) which explained that during a pandemic hospitals require a negative pressure isolation room to accommodate the needs of a pandemic patient care Dewar, Barr, & Robinson (2014) explained that in addition to health facilities (ventilators), Personal Protective Equipment, and medicine, hospitals also need to pay attention to laboratory facilities.…”