Early in the pandemic, infection prevention (IP), in collaboration with our local
anesthesia leadership, took the approach of ensuring all members of the Anesthesia
Department understood the importance of universal masking, were individually trained
on the use of the Controlled Air Purifier Respirator, as well the appropriate method
for donning/doffing N95 respirators. Multiple providers in the department tested positive
for COVID, resulting in the IP Department to conduct the routine contact tracing investigation.
During the investigation, it was determined that all persons who met the CDC (Centers
for Disease Control & Prevention) contact exposure guidelines would undergo COVID
testing, which consequently was 109 team members due to the exposure risk identified
in the break room space. IP worked with the Anesthesia Preoperative Clinic to test
all team members identified over a 3-day period (approximately 5-7 days postexposure).
Out of the 109 team members who were tested postexposure, there were 0 conversions.
The department attributes this to the consistency in personal protective equipment
training, support and collaboration between anesthesia and IP which led to successful
care for COVID patients with a limited provider infection rate.
Key Words
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REFERENCES
- Use of powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) as part of protective equipment against SARS-CoV-2-a narrative review and critical appraisal of evidence.Am J Infect Control. 2020; : 1-8
Brooks J, Butler J, Redfield R. Universal masking to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission – the time is now. Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2768532. Accessed October 20, 2020.
Interim U.S. Guidance for Risk Assessment and Work Restrictions for Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure to COVID-19. Available at:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-risk-assesment-hcp.html. Accessed December 20, 2020.
- Mind the gap: the hospital breakroom.Am J Infect Control. 2020; 48: 1285
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 19, 2021
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None to report.
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
