Infection prevention

ASHE issues recommendations on COVID-19 for facilities managers

An update on the recent outbreak and six recommendations for facilities managers
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As the American Hospital Association continues to report on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) has also compiled COVID-19 resources for health facilities managers to help battle the virus.

First identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, the virus has spread to thousands in China, with more than 2,000 associated deaths. Cases in several other countries continue to grow, and WHO and CDC expect more confirmed cases globally, including the U.S.

In addition the resource page, ASHE lists the below issues and recommendations that ASHE members and health care facilities managers should consider in light of this public health concern:

  • Review patient entrance and flow patterns throughout the facility;
  • Evaluate accuracy of space pressure relationships – especially airborne infection isolation rooms;
  • Review emergency management plans – especially in relation to surge capacity issues;
  • Review security plans – especially related to surge and patient presentation;
  • Devise contingency plans for a possible occurrence in which demand for isolation rooms exceeds capacity; and
  • Those who also oversee environmental services should review the Association for the Health Care Environment’s COVID-19 advisory.

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team (i.e., Safety Committee, Environment of Care Committee, etc.) to accomplish the above items will increase a health care facility’s readiness.

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