Preparedness of institutions around the world for managing patients with Ebola virus disease: An infection control readiness checklist
Date
2015
Authors
Tartari, Ermira
Allegranzi, Benedetta
Ang, Brenda
Calleja, Neville
Collignon, Peter
Hopman, Joost
Lang, Lily
Lee, Lai Chee
Ling, Moi Lin
Mehtar, Shaheen
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
BioMed Central Ltd.
Abstract
Background: In response to global concerns about the largest Ebola virus disease (EVD), outbreak to-date in West
Africa documented healthcare associated transmission and the risk of global spread, the International Society of
Chemotherapy (ISC) Infection Control Working Group created an Ebola Infection Control Readiness Checklist to
assess the preparedness of institutions around the globe. We report data from the electronic checklist that was
disseminated to medical professionals from October to December 2014 and identify action needed towards better
preparedness levels.
Findings: Data from 192 medical professionals (one third from Africa) representing 125 hospitals in 45 countries
around the globe were obtained through a specifically developed electronic survey. The survey contained 76
specific questions in 7 major sections: Administrative/operational support; Communications; Education and audit;
Human resources, Supplies, Infection Prevention and Control practices and Clinical management of patients. The
majority of respondents were infectious disease specialists/infection control consultants/clinical microbiologists
(75; 39 %), followed by infection control professionals (59; 31 %) and medical doctors of other specialties (17; 9 %).
Nearly all (149; 92 %) were directly involved in Ebola preparedness activities. Whilst, 54 % indicated that their
hospital would need to handle suspected and proven Ebola cases, the others would subsequently transfer
suspected cases to a specialized centre.
Conclusion: The results from our survey reveal that the general preparedness levels for management of potentially
suspected cases of Ebola virus disease is only partially adequate in hospitals. Hospitals designated for admitting EVD
suspected and proven patients had more frequently implemented Infection Control preparedness activities than
hospitals that would subsequently transfer potential EVD cases to other centres. Results from this first international
survey provide a framework for future efforts to improve hospital preparedness worldwide.
Keywords: Ebola virus disease, EVD outbreak, EVD preparedness, Personal protective equipment
Description
Keywords
Ebola virus disease, EVD outbreak, EVD preparedness, Personal protective equipment
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Source
Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control
Type
Journal article
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Access Statement
Open Access
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creative commons
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