When Novel H1N1 Flu Knocks at Your Facility Door

The novel H1N1 influenza virus has united us globally, sending an urgency throughout the nation to be prepared for a resurgence. Although recent months have been seemingly under control, it is quite feasible that the world should prepare for a second wave of the virus now that it is autumn. It is critical that the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) community be fully prepared for increased demand for services.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assembled a 10-step guideline for response to the potential fall outbreak. Here is an overview:

1. Develop a Business Continuity Plan

Developing a concise plan requires several steps. Project initiation, risk assessment, planned exercising and maintenance, emergency communication and awareness, and training and coordination with public authorities are all vital components. An assessment on how your facility functions internally and externally and having a business continuity plan will be essential to controlling the impact on your staff, suppliers and organization.

2. Keep Employees Informed

Open communication with employees that addresses new polices and procedures will ensure comfort and confidence in understanding how to cope with a potential outbreak. Your business continuity plan will reach optimum potential with direct staff communication.

3. Plan for Facility Operation with Low Staff Attendance

Staff can easily become ill and may miss work for several days; be ready to operate smoothly without them. Cross-train your staff on tasks associated with all aspects of work flow within your ASC to increase productivity and provide back-up if needed.

4. Protect the Workplace Environment

While a normal attendance rate can seem reassuring, having sick employees on the job is anything but! Be sure to ask sick staff to stay at home. All personnel should administer daily self monitoring for signs and symptoms of febrile respiratory illness. Staff who develop any symptoms should not report to work, or if at work, should cease patient-care activities. Notification and sick leave policies should be in alignment so ill staff are able to stay home and recover.

5. Plan for a Surge of Patients and Increased Demands for your Services

ASCs can help in times of a pandemic in the community. Consider extending your hours of operation to include telephone triage of patients. This will significantly help assure continuity of operations during a community outbreak.

6. Know How to Deal with Patients Exhibiting Flu-like Illness

ASCs automatically screen patients for signs of illness before their surgery; this is especially critical during flu season, which runs from October through May.

7. Protect the Health of your Workforce

Keeping employees healthy is just as important as your patients’ health. Respiratory and eye protection are two items all healthcare personnel should be using when in direct contact with symptomatic patients. Plan to have sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) for your staff.

8. Provide Free Immunization Against Seasonal Flu

Several influenza strains circulate during the fall season. Annual immunization is recommended to protect your staff against common threats of the flu.

9. Be Aware of Pandemic Planning and Response Activities in your Community

Seek information and coordinate with local hospitals, other outpatient and public-health facilities to learn about their plans for pandemic management. Community response coordination is key to maintaining optimal patient care in communities with a large number of outbreaks.

10. Don’t Wait, Plan Now

With the fall season here, early preparation is key. Stay up-to-date on the CDC H1N1 flu Web site, and local and state health departments for the latest information.

The true impact of novel H1N1 flu outbreaks has begun to arise in recent months. Early preparation for patient, employee and facility care is essential. For more information on the CDC’s 10 Steps You Can Take: Actions for Novel H1N1 Influenza Planning and Response for Medical Offices and Outpatient Facilities, visithttp://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/10steps.html.

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