New aerosol-generating procedures guidance provides additional COVID-19 protection
Hershey Medical Center developed new staff guidance for COVID-19-negative patients receiving aerosol generating procedures during times when the spread of the illness is severe.
Clinical leaders have determined that certain aerosol-generating procedures can create an increased risk for COVID-19 transmission. The new guidance entitled “Guidance Concerning Practices for Aerosolizing Generating Procedures for COVID-19 Negative Patients During High Community Spread” has been developed to provide additional protection for staff.
The guidance affects all patients receiving the following procedures regardless of their COVID-19 status, except those who receive the procedures 24/7:
- Nebulizers
- Continuous positive airway pressure therapy/ bilevel positive airway pressure
- Open suctioning of patients such as nasotracheal suctioning or via trach (not using closed/in-line suction)
- Intubation/extubation
- Tracheostomy with humidity
- Invasive Mechanical Ventilation on an open circuit (unfiltered)
Staff must follow these protocols when inpatients undergo aerosol-generating procedures regardless of the patient’s COVID-19 status.
The new guidance addresses pre-procedure, procedure and post-procedure protocols, including:
- Posting signs and documenting required information
- Wearing the designated personal protective equipment
- Limiting staff in the room
- Adhering to air-exchange requirements
- Disinfecting high-touch surfaces
Staff must follow these protocols when inpatients are undergoing aerosol-generating procedures regardless of COVID-19 status (applies to patients presumed/tested negative for COVID-19).
Epidemiology and infection prevention leaders will determine when to change the guidance based on the prevalence of COVID-19 spread in the community.
All employees are encouraged to read the policy.
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