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Critical Care
Published in: Critical Care 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | SARS-CoV-2 | Review

Preparing your intensive care unit for the COVID-19 pandemic: practical considerations and strategies

Authors: Ken Junyang Goh, Jolin Wong, Jong-Chie Claudia Tien, Shin Yi Ng, Sewa Duu Wen, Ghee Chee Phua, Carrie Kah-Lai Leong

Published in: Critical Care | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved into a worldwide pandemic. Preparing intensive care units (ICU) is an integral part of any pandemic response. In this review, we discuss the key principles and strategies for ICU preparedness. We also describe our initial outbreak measures and share some of the challenges faced. To achieve sustainable ICU services, we propose the need to 1) prepare and implement rapid identification and isolation protocols, and a surge in ICU bed capacity; (2) provide a sustainable workforce with a focus on infection control; (3) ensure adequate supplies to equip ICUs and protect healthcare workers; and (4) maintain quality clinical management, as well as effective communication. 
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Metadata
Title
Preparing your intensive care unit for the COVID-19 pandemic: practical considerations and strategies
Authors
Ken Junyang Goh
Jolin Wong
Jong-Chie Claudia Tien
Shin Yi Ng
Sewa Duu Wen
Ghee Chee Phua
Carrie Kah-Lai Leong
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Critical Care / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1364-8535
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-020-02916-4

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