WLAVA:COVID19 ED Operational Updates

WLA VA ID COVID-19 Testing Algorithm

  • Last Updated 3/26/20
WLA VA Tent Testing Algorithm

LAC DPH COVID19 Resources

LAC DPH Website

Definition of COVID19 Person Under Investigation (PUI) updated 3.24.20

LADPH PUI Criteria
  1. Note that all healthcare workers are advised to self-monitor for symptoms and not report to work if they are experiencing symptoms.

LAC DPH COVID19 Physician Checklist

LAC DPH Provider Checklist

LAC DPH Home Isolation Handout

File:COVHomeCare(1).pdf

WLA ED Workflow

WLA ED COVID19 Suggested Workflow (File:WLAVA COVID - ED Flow - v03-20-20v.2.pdf)

ED Attending Shift Responsibilities

  • Airways
    • Anesthesia covers all airways including ED COVID airways from 7a-7p
    • From 7p-7a ED covers all crash airways including COVID ones. A third overnight attending has been added so that two attendings may respond to airways while one remains in the ED.
    • Anesthesia can be called for impending airways if 2 hours notice can be given.
  • Tent
    • Extra weekend shift coverage has been added to flex to tent and cover airway.
    • 4p-12a fast track attending also serves as airway buddy and to flex to tent. Virtual process for Tent care is underway...

Whom To Notify of PUIs

  • Call GLA ID: UCLA consult p89321.
  • Notify LA County Dept of Public Health if directed by ID:
    • 213-240-7941 (weekdays 8:30a-5p)
    • 213-974-1234 and ask for physician on call (after-hours).
  • If admitted, please notify Jonie, Neil, Manny, and Lisa by text if you have a PUI patient.

Misc Numbers:

  • Infectious diseases fellow (x40270/40271)
  • Microbiology Department (x41259)

PPE Documentation

  • Please make sure to document the PPE used in your chart as it will allow us to track your exposure category and will help us guide work restrictions.

Ordering COVID-19

  • Influenza and Respiratory Panel 2 (Biofire) now run together with a TAT of about 45 min to 1:15 hours after “accessioned” specimen is received.
  • We are only collecting two nasopharyngeal swabs per patient (stop collecting oropharyngeal specimens).
  • Current COVID-19 ordering protocol:
    • Patient presents with possible need for COVID testing (perhaps a healthcare worker)
    • Tent/ED provider order RP2 in CPRS (this is when ID should be called)
    • Nurse swabs NP x 2, send to labs both
    • If RP2 results negative, the patient may need COVID testing
    • Micro contacts ID if RP2 is negative
    • The COVID-19 test is done if ID approves
  • Lab processing is not automatic at VA, until all the kinks get ironed out with ordering COVID-19, please continue to follow the RP2 results on these patients
    • At least double check to see if COVID-19 was added by lab (ID will f/u COVID-19 results) to ensure the testing you want is occurring.

AVOID AEROSOLIZING Procedures (if Possible)

  • Do not use NEBS - use MDI/SPACER (we have some in stock- if not in FT- check main ED)
  • NO to High flow NC (generally - if done place a surgical mask on patient)
  • NO to BIPAP
  • Intubate early & in a negative pressure room
  • AVOID any bagging

COVID-19 Admission Guidelines

  • All COVID Admissions go to MICU Team (as of 3/21)
    • If they are critical, they go to the ICU under MICU. If they are meta-stable, then go to the new 5SD "COVID" Unit, but still under MICU team
  • The 5SD "COVID" unit is a newly converted unit with 10 negative pressure rooms.
  • New Isolation Note
    • Specific to COVID19 - indicate if ICU level of care and high risk for aerosolizing procedures vs usual care.

CODE Situation for COVID Cases

  • DO NOT be a hero and RUSH IN
  • PPE: N95, Face Shield, bouffant, gloves x2 and gown x2
  • Place a surgical mask on patient while getting airway set up, chest compressions ok
  • Do not BAG patient
  • Limit # of staff
  • Staff safety is #1 PRIORITY

Official GLA PPE Recommendations

Last Updated 3.21.20

PPE for Suspected COVID-19 Patients: Critically Ill or Aerosolizing Procedures

  • Airborne
  • Droplet
  • Contact precautions (with eye protection)
  • Negative pressure room (if available)
  • Critically ill (i.e., receiving ICU-level care)
  • Eye protection (face shield or goggles)

PPE for All Other Suspected COVID-19 Patients

  • Standard
  • Droplet
  • Contact precautions (with eye protection)
  • Eye protection (face shield or goggles)

Close Contact Definition

  • Being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a confirmed COVID-19 case for a prolonged period (5 minutes)
  • Having unprotected direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case.
    • NOTE: Examples of Brief Interactions include:
      • Briefly entering the patient room without having direct contact with the patient or their secretions/excretions.

NOT Close Contact Definition

  • Brief conversation at a triage desk with a patient who was not wearing a face mask.
  • These encounters are NOT close contacts, except when an aerosol-generating procedure is or has been recently performed.

Patient Placement

  • Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease will be cared for in single rooms with the door closed.
  • Airborne isolation rooms (negative pressure rooms) will be used for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease who
    • Are receiving ICU-level care OR
    • Undergoing procedures that are likely to generate a high concentration of respiratory aerosols.
      • NOTE: If negative pressure rooms are unavailable for a patient receiving ICU care, patients will be placed in a standard room with staff using N95 with eye protection/PAPRs, gowns and gloves. If hospitalization is not medically needed, home care is preferable if the individual’s situation allows.

Aerosol-generating procedures

  • Endotracheal intubation or extubation
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (BiPAP)
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Open oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal suctioning (closed circuit suctioning is considered non-aerosol generating)
  • Nebulizer therapy. Use of metered dose inhalers with spacers is strongly preferred for patients being tested for or diagnosed with COVID-19.
    • NOTE: The number of healthcare workers present during the procedure should be limited to only those essential for patient care and procedure support. Visitors should not be present for the procedure.

COVID-19 Specimen Collection (Nasopharyngeal Swabs)

  • Standard/Contact/Droplet precautions are recommended.
  • The number of persons present during the procedure should be limited to only those essential for patient care and procedure support. Visitors should not be present for specimen collection.
  • Specimen collection can be performed in a normal examination room with the door closed.

Patient Transport in the Hospital

  • If transport personnel must prepare the patient for transport (e.g., transfer them to the wheelchair or gurney), transport personnel should wear all recommended PPE.
  • Patients should wear a face mask to contain secretions during transport. If patients cannot tolerate a face mask or one is not available, they should use tissues to cover their mouth and nose.
  • The transporter should wear a face mask.

General PPE Training

  • PPE training 3/17 to 4/17 @ 8:30a - 4:00p Bldg 500, Rm 6043 (no reservation required)

SIM Lab Training

FIT Testing

  • To clarify, you need to be FIT tested yearly at each facility you work because the brand and type of mask may be different. Your face may change shape with age/weight/pregnancy etc...

N95 Mask at GLA

  • Stored in Med Room (badge access only)
  • GLA N95 Brand/Model:
    • We primarily carry: 3M 1870+
    • We have a stock of small masks: 3M 1860S

GLA Donning & Doffing Checklist

Last Updated 3.20.20 N95

PAPR

SHOWERING

  • If you want to shower -- Go to 5th floor
    • WOMEN Room 5076 code 5324
    • MEN Room 5075 room 5321
  • No Lockers - Bring your own towel/clothes

Airway Cart x 2 & Night B Attending Restocking Responsibilities

  • New Airway carts are located across from MD station/Rm 6-7. These have PAPR, PPE, and airway equipment including viral filters.
  • Code is 1212
  • In an airway emergency - grab cart, Glidescope Go and a bag of disposable meds in the MED ROOM, and PAPR hood if reused.
  • PAPR, belt, tube, and hood are REUSABLE only the plastic cover over breathing tube is disposable.
  • Clean PAPR hoods thoroughly with sani-wipes when doffing to decease pathogens.
  • PAPRs and the Paprs hoods will be cleaned by SPS so after you are done using it, place in a biohazard bag and leave it in the dirty Utility room of the actual Unit where you intubated.
    • Contact SPS M-F 41811, Weekends 310-987-8710 or 323-497-4585. They will pick up, clean and deliver back to ED.

Night B Attending:

  • Please make check airway cart is stocked
  • We will leave a cache of PPE and unique items in the large yellow 3M bag to replenish.
  • If you cannot find an item, email Derrick, Miguel, Lisa and Jonie.

If you have any questions or suggestions on Airway Bag improvements, please email Derrick and Miguel.

Your Health (and Ours)

  • If you develop a fever and/or resp symptoms- notify Neil/Jonie immediately. We know how hard y'all want to work - but it's important to stay healthy and keep away from others to avoid further spread of disease to coworkers and patients and additional need for quarantine.

CDC Return to Work Guidance

  • Guidance on what to do if you think you were exposed to COVID-19 and are asymptomatic:
    • We are using the CDC updated recommendations on public health management of healthcare personnel (HCP) with potential exposure in a healthcare setting to patients with COVID-19 (see below). This updated guidance allows for asymptomatic HCP who have been exposed to a COVID-19 patient to continue to work AFTER consultation with their occupational health program (see table below for details on exposure risk).
  • We are counting on your self-referral.


Miscellaneous Admin

Detaining PUI or COVID19 Confirmed Patients

  • It seems that without any specific quarantine order (rare that we will have an official order on our patients)- we cannot detain patients against their will unless we do not think they have capacity- which is a separate issue.

Medical Student & Resident Rules Regarding PUI Pt Care

  • Medical students SHOULD NOT participate in any care for COVID — so they don’t spread in their community.
  • Residents ok to see PUI patient, but no intubations (includes anesthesia residents).

Coding COVID19 Encounters

  • For suspected COVID19 cases: Z20.828
  • For confirmed COVID19 cases: B97.29

Dexter Moved Out

  • Use ‘UM Review’ label on EDIS to communicate with him.
  • If you are interested in not having to change your admission orders 50 times.
    • Here are ways to contact me if you have questions:
      • VA cell: 626 314 9774
      • VA Pager *11 p73284

GLA Sites

COVID19 ED Sharepoint

High Consequence Infection (HCI) Sharepoint

Emergency Alerting and Accountability System (EAAS)

Other WLA VA Pages


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