5 Things for VUMC employees to know about the coronavirus

1.  Is the Medical Center planning in case patients come here with COVID-19, the coronavirus strain? Multiple workgroups comprised of leaders from across the organization have been closely monitoring the spread of the virus since December. Plans are being finalized that would help manage an influx of patients to our clinics and hospitals.

2. What are some of these plans? We know that most patients who test positive will not require hospitalization. We also know that, so far, the COVID-19 virus has had minimal impact on the health of children. However, patients who do need inpatient care will be boarded in negative-pressure rooms once admitted. Multiple areas within the Medical Center have been identified that would safely house COVID-19 patients, providing appropriate isolation to help prevent spread of the virus. Through investments in preparedness, VUMC has specialized equipment already on hand that can turn an entire patient unit into a negative-pressure area. The Medical Center also has equipment on hand, including a large tent, to set up triage facilities outside so that patients can be screened without entering facilities. At the same time, State and Metro Nashville health officials are assuring their plans for management of pandemic illness are prepared.

3. How will we know if there are patients with the COVID-19 virus here in Tennessee or at VUMC? The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) has on March 5 announced the first case in the state. If COVID-19 positive patients need care at VUMC, in accordance with federal patient privacy standards, Medical Center employees will be made aware of the presence of the virus so they can safely go about their work.

4. What will the Medical Center do to keep me safe? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the COVID-19 virus is spread much like influenza, person-to-person through close contact (within about 6 ft.), via respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and to a lesser extent through contact with infected surfaces. Using standard precautions like those to prevent the spread of influenza, such as frequent handwashing, is the best preventative measure. Employees who may be in direct contact with suspected COVID-19 patients will use Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their work. Importantly, the CDC does not recommend wearing a mask when out in the general public, as that has not been shown to prevent virus spread and can take masks away from people that need them (like our caregivers at the front line).

5. Right now, as an employee what should I do?  Patient care must come first, but importantly, we will ensure we can deliver this care in a safe manner to our faculty, staff and other patients. While we believe there will be ample warning of escalating numbers of potential patients, in the event of a crisis the Medical Center’s Emergency Staffing Plan could be quickly activated, which mandates staffing levels across many areas to maintain effective operations. Like in any emergency, there are things to consider such as whether you may need support with child care if you are required to stay at work. Emergency preparedness experts recommend stocking an emergency kit to keep on hand that includes medicines, a change of clothes and other necessary items.