Compartmentalization of wards to cohort symptomatic patients at the beginning and end of norovirus outbreaks

摘要: Summary Background Outbreaks of norovirus can have a significant operational and financial impact on healthcare establishments. Aim To assess whether containment symptomatic patients in single rooms bays at the beginning end outbreaks reduced length bed closure. Methods In 2007, we introduced new strategy to limit hospital norovirus. Early an outbreak, were cohorted or attempt contain outbreak without closing entire ward. Once ward had been closed, as beds became available through discharges, decanted into empty with doors facilitate earlier cleaning opening affected areas same The these changes was assessed by comparing data for two periods before after implementation strategy. Findings Prior June 90% managed closure ward, compared only 54% from 2007 onwards. duration significantly shorter wards, both (3.5 vs 6, P  = 0.0327) (3 5,  = 0.007). Conclusion Using compartmentalization cohort improved efficiency management disruption.