Published in:
01-07-2006 | Expert Panel
Expanding ICU facilities in an epidemic: recommendations based on experience from the SARS epidemic in Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors:
Charles D. Gomersall, Dessmon Y. H. Tai, Shi Loo, James L. Derrick, Mia Siang Goh, Thomas A. Buckley, Catherine Chua, Ka Man Ho, Geeta P. Raghavan, Oi Man Ho, Lay Beng Lee, Gavin M. Joynt
Published in:
Intensive Care Medicine
|
Issue 7/2006
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Abstract
Epidemics have the potential to severely strain intensive care
resources and may require an increase in intensive care capability. Few
intensivists have direct experience of rapidly expanding intensive care
services in response to an epidemic. This contribution presents the
recommendations of an expert group from Hong Kong and Singapore who had
direct experience of expanding intensive care services in response to the
epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome. These recommendations cover
training, infection control, staffing, communication and ethical
issues. The issue of what equipment to purchase is not addressed. Early
preparations should include fit testing of negative pressure respirators,
training of reserve staff, sourcing of material for physical modifications
to the ICU, development of infection control policies and training
programmes, and discussion of triage and quarantine issues.