Outside the Box and Into Thick Air: Implementation of an Exterior Mobile Pediatric Emergency Response Team for North American H1N1 (Swine) Influenza Virus in Houston, Texas

摘要: Study objective We describe the implementation of a mobile pediatric emergency response team for mildly ill children with influenza-like illnesses during H1N1 swine influenza outbreak. Methods This was descriptive quality improvement study conducted in Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX) department (ED), covered, open-air parking lot from May 1, 2009, to 7, 2009. Children aged 18 years or younger were screened viral respiratory symptoms and sent designated areas ED according level acuity, possibility illness, anticipated need laboratory evaluation. Results The experienced 18% total volume, median 48 patients daily, peaking at 83 treated on 3, Although few had positive rapid assay results morbidity disease community appeared be minimal majority children, anxiety about pandemic drove large number visits, necessitating an increase surge capacity. Surge capacity augmented both through utilization existing institutional resources by creating novel area which treat potential airborne pathogens. Infection control procedures patient safety also maximized cohorting adaptation social distancing measures setting. Conclusion screening triage algorithms able safely effectively identify group low-acuity who could rapidly evaluated discharged, alleviating volume potentially preventing transmission influenza.