How to limit spread of respiratory illnesses
To avoid the spread of respiratory illness in a pandemic situation and every day, Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, has established "sneeze stations" in all of its waiting rooms, including those at seven OR sites.
These stations, which can be used by patients suffering from any respiratory illness, offer tissues, waste disposal cans, and antimicrobial hand rinse solutions, says Nancye Feistritzer, RN, MSN, assistant hospital director of perioperative services.
"In general, we are raising people's awareness, both staff and patients', that if they have any symptoms that potentially fall in that [respiratory illness] category, we ask patients to notify staff immediately so we can refer them to appropriate areas," Feistritzer says.
In fact, Vanderbilt has a protocol for patients and staff suffering from respiratory illness. [A copy of this protocol is available.]
The hospital also has an exposure control plan that ensures patients with communicable diseases don't walk through waiting rooms on their way to be treated, Feistritzer says.
Resource
The sneeze stations were developed and are being sold for $250, plus shipping and handling, by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. For ordering information, contact:
- Gail England, Administrative Assistant, Department of Emergency Management, Office of Emergency Preparedness, Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Phone: (615) 343-3189. E-mail: [email protected].
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