Use of Simulation to Gauge Preparedness for Ebola at a Free-Standing Children's Hospital

Abstract

On October 10, 2014, a health care worker exposed to Ebola traveled to Akron, OH, where she became symptomatic. The resulting local public health agencies and health care organization response was unequalled in our region. The day this information was announced, the emergency disaster response was activated at our hospital. The simulation center had 12 hours to prepare simulations to evaluate hospital preparedness should a patient screen positive for Ebola exposure. The team developed hybrid simulation scenarios using standardized patients, mannequin simulators, and task trainers to assess hospital preparedness in the emergency department, transport team, pediatric intensive care unit, and for interdepartmental transfers. These simulations were multidisciplinary and demonstrated gaps in the system that could expose staff to Ebola. The results of these simulations were provided rapidly to the administration. Further simulation cycles were used during the next 2 weeks to identify additional gaps and to evaluate possible solutions.