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Guideline
. 2010 Apr;36 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S45-54.
doi: 10.1007/s00134-010-1764-1.

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

Bruce L Taylor  1 , Hugh E Montgomery, Andrew Rhodes, Charles L Sprung; European Society of Intensive Care Medicine's Task Force for intensive care unit triage during an influenza epidemic or mass disaster
Collaborators, Affiliations
Guideline

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

Bruce L Taylor et al. Intensive Care Med. 2010 Apr.

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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