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Erschienen in:
01.04.2010
Chapter 6. Protection of patients and staff during a pandemic
Erschienen in: Intensive Care Medicine | Sonderheft 1/2010
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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.