Abstract
Purpose: To provide recommendations and standard operating procedures for intensive care unit and hospital preparations for an influenza pandemic or mass disaster with a specific focus on ensuring that adequate resources are available and appropriate protocols are developed to safely perform procedures in patients with and without influenza illness. Methods: Based on a literature review and expert opinion, a Delphi process was used to define the essential topics including performing medical procedures. Results: Key recommendations include: (1) specify high-risk procedures (aerosol generating-procedures); (2) determine if certain procedures will not be performed during a pandemic; (3) develop protocols for safe performance of high-risk procedures that include appropriateness, qualifications of personnel, site, personal protection equipment, safe technique and equipment needs; (4) ensure adequate training of personnel in high-risk procedures; (5) procedures should be performed at the bedside whenever possible; (6) ensure safe respiratory therapy practices to avoid aerosols; (7) provide safe respiratory equipment; and (8) determine criteria for cancelling and/or altering elective procedures. Conclusions: Judicious planning and adoption of protocols for safe performance of medical procedures are necessary to optimize outcomes during a pandemic.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | S65-S69 |
Journal | Intensive Care Medicine |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2010 |
Keywords
- Disaster
- H1N1
- Hospital
- Influenza epidemic
- Intensive care unit
- Medical procedures
- Pandemic
- Recommendations
- Standard operating procedures
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine