SHARE has received some questions from members about a recent change regarding patients with (or under investigation for) COVID-19. Hospital leaders have assured SHARE that the new procedures are based on safe, common practices.
“A recent study comparing MGH and BWH showed that even though 22% of COVID-19 patients were cared in negative pressure rooms at MGH (compared to 96% at BWH), the rate of HCW infection was the same. Most patients at MGH were cared in a standard room without a HEPA filter.
”
WHAT CHANGED?
Before, the hospital required these patients to be roomed in isolated and negative-pressure rooms, and that caregivers be in the room for a more limited amount of time. However, those guidelines have changed. Over the course of the pandemic, researchers have come to understand that COVID-positive patients actually pose low risk of transmitting the disease in well-ventilated spaces, including standard hospital rooms. Therefore, patients may now be roomed in positive-pressure rooms, and staff may remain in the room with these patients for up to 2.5 hours.
WHAT IS UMASS MEMORIAL DOING TO MAKE SURE PATIENTS ARE IN THE APPROPRIATE ROOMS?
Bed Control is up-to-date with the latest guidelines. The Infection Control team reviews patients daily to monitor for appropriate room placement and can work with them to make changes if necessary.
DO OTHER HOSPITALS FOLLOW SIMILAR GUIDELINES FOR COVID PATIENTS?
According to UMass Memorial, hospitals in the Boston area and around the country have cared for large numbers of COVID-19 positive patients in standard rooms without evidence that COVID–19 transmission is higher.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROCEDURES I’M ASKED TO USE IN CARING FOR COVID PATIENTS?
Talk with the nurse manager or nursing supervisor in your area.