After two healthcare workers at Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas contracted Ebola, concerns have risen regarding hospitals' preparedness for dealing with such a disease.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology conducted a survey of its members to gauge their insight on how well their hospitals are equipped to receive Ebola patients.
Here are the top 10 areas, as indicated by infection preventionists indicated, in need of more information to improve a hospital's ability to receive and treat an Ebola patient.
1. Waste management/waste removal
2. Protocols regarding putting on and removing personal protective equipment
3. Adequate staffing to train other healthcare personnel
4. Adequate staffing to provide care for Ebola patients
5. Identification and management of exposed healthcare workers
6. Disinfection of the environment, including patient rooms and bathrooms
7. Identification of a potential Ebola case
8. Laboratory protocols
9. Disinfection of instruments and devices
10. Next steps after identifying a potential case
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