2.2 Strengthen infection control and block transmission routes
We emphasized hand hygiene and provided supplies and instruction on
respiratory hygiene, including alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) with 75%
alcohol, tissues, and no-touch receptacles for disposal, at the
entrances of inpatient building and our ward. Instruction on hand
hygiene, limiting surfaces touched, and use of personal protective
equipment(PPE) according to current hospital policy were provided at
every entrance. We updated the cleaning and disinfection procedures :
using cleaners and water to pre-clean surfaces prior to applying an
hospital-grade disinfectant to frequently touched surfaces and objects
every day.
A separate and well-ventilated conversation room was specially set up
and ventilated during the conversation. All the rooms underwent
appropriate cleaning and surface disinfection before it is returned to
use once again and records must be made to ensure all work done.
The level of healthcare personal protection(HCP) was determined
according to the patient’s condition and exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2.
The primary protection including hand hygiene and facemask was performed
before and after all patient contact, and when facing patients and
family members with symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory infection
(e.g., fever, cough) , we provided supplies and equipment necessary for
the consistent observance of Standard Precautions(second grade
protection),11National Health Committee of People’s Republic of
China. Regulation for prevention and control of healthcare associated
infection of airborne transmission disease in healthcare facilities.
December 27, 2016.
http://www.nhc.gov.cn/wjw/s9496/201701/7e0e8fc6725843aabba8f841f2f585d2.shtml.
including hand hygiene products and personal protective equipment(PPE)
(e.g.N95 respirators, gloves, gowns, face and eye protection). Adhere to
standard precautions, appropriate PPE were selected according to PPE
supply and the level of anticipated contamination. When available, N95
respirators are preferred which should be prioritized for situations
where the care of patients with respiratory protection.
Once the patient conforms to any two of fever, respiratory symptoms and
chest CT with covid-19 imaging characteristics, the contingency plan
made at the begining of the COVID-19 is activated. The plan includes
isolating symptomatic patients as soon as possible in a separate,
well-ventilated room with door closed and private bathroom, disinfection
and isolation of the room, healthcare personnel protection, et.al.
Primary nurses were dedicated to care for patients during their shift to
avoid the situation that multiple nurses carry out different nursing
operations for the same patient. A special operating room would be
arranged for such patients requiring emergency surgery, on the contrary
elective procedures and surgeries would postponed.
Provide all healthcare personnel including but not limited to medical,
nursing, clinical technicians, rear service personnel, patients and
family members with job or task specific education and training on
COVID-19 and preventing transmission of infection, such as
epidemiological investigation, hand
hygiene and PPE. We enhanced timely education and training by applying
multiform learning, combining online and offline education. Online
education, such as Tencent Meeting Application and WeChat education
became our main education approach. Group offline learning was
eliminated, so guidelines document, video and morning questions became
our instructional materials. We updated information periodically during
ongoing education programs according to the continuous update of
infection control guidelines. Nursing department, Medical department and
Infection-Control department surveilled every infection control link
strictly and at any time to ensure continuous rectification of potential
risk factors.