Insights on the Role of Technology and Leadership in Covid-19 Care Delivery, from the Team that Treated America’s First Case
Publication Title
NEJM Catalyst
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-27-2020
Keywords
2019-nCoV
Abstract
The first Covid-19 patient to be hospitalized in a U.S. facility was admitted to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett in Washington on January 20, 2020. That night, the hospital’s Special Pathogens Unit was activated. Leadership initiated a centralized, system-wide response to provide care to an expected increase in patient volume. Within 24 hours, the electronic medical record was able to support a patient screening tool based on travel history. A dedicated floor with 64-beds with negative air pressure capability was designated. A specialized algorithm was developed to triage patients. And within 6 weeks, a robust coronavirus telehealth program was operational. The hospital’s Medical Director for Antimicrobial Stewardship describes how these efforts have helped to ensure patient and staff safety, preserve PPE supply, and prevent exceeding capacity despite large increases in patient volume.
Specialty/Research Institute
Infectious Diseases
Specialty/Research Institute
Telemedicine
