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. 2007 Jun;66(2):142-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2007.02.015. Epub 2007 May 18.

Preparations and limitations for prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome in a tertiary care centre of India

S Goel  1 , A K Gupta, A Singh, S R Lenka
Affiliations

Preparations and limitations for prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome in a tertiary care centre of India

S Goel et al. J Hosp Infect. 2007 Jun.

Abstract

This short-term observational study of infection control practice was performed in the medical emergency outpatient department (EMOPD) of a tertiary-care hospital in India when threatened by an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). An investigator attended the lobby daily to screen patients with symptoms for SARS. Patient/attendant load, patient flow, medical staff working practices and position in the EMOPD were observed. Infection control measures such as fumigation and cleaning were noted, as was the EMOPD laboratory function, use of personnel protection and display of information on infectious diseases. A total of 162 (7.4%) of the 2165 patients surveyed had respiratory symptoms but no cases of SARS were found. The flow of patients and their attendants was not systematic. No laboratory tests for SARS were available, and no educational material on SARS was displayed. The EMOPDs in key hospitals need be able to screen for infectious diseases, especially in view of the threats from SARS and Avian influenza.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Design of emergency outpatient department (OPD) and patient flow (proposed changes are shown in shaded areas). PRO, public relation officer; PHN, public health nurse; EMO, emergency medical officer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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