28/07/2020
STATEMENT ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19 PATIENTS
The Silliman University Medical Center (SUMC) continues to implement and observe strictly the protocols and guidelines of the DOH, WHO, and the interim guidelines of medical specialty societies, and also refers to CDC guidelines and appropriate and relevant emerging researches and information on the detection and treatment of COVID-19 patients. For this purpose, the Hospital has established and implemented the following:
1. In the absence of a RT-PCR testing facility in the province for the early detection of COVID-19 cases, SUMC created a COVID-19 Assessment and Review Board (CARB) to aid in the early determination of whether incoming patients who exhibit suspect symptoms are COVID-19 likely or unlikely. CARB is a multi-disciplinary group, composed of relevant specialists, that serves as the “gate keeper” for the Hospital in the initial assessment of COVID-19 cases. It uses several diagnostic modalities including radiographic tests (such as Chest X-ray and Chest CT Scan) laboratory tests (which may include rapid anti-body tests, among others), and clinical and physical assessments. All tests are triangulated to come up with a reasonable and sound assessment.
2. Complementing this effort is the establishment of Triage Areas for proper screening and referral of incoming patients. A Triage Form will be given and patients are encouraged to fill-up the form completely and honestly. COVID-19 algorithms are also being put in place to redirect the movement of patient flow within Hospital premises.
3. SUMC also formed a COVID-19 Knowledge-Based Medical Management Advisory Board (CKBMMAB) to serve as a resource for attending physicians taking care of likely and/or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Knowing that information about COVID-19 is evolving, the CKBMMAB, also a multi-specialty body, keeps itself abreast and up-to-date with the latest treatment modalities that it can share with COVID-19 attending physicians.
4. The Hospital has identified and designated COVID and non-COVID units or zones to restrict the spread of the virus and avoid cross contamination usually with physical barriers. Clear pathways for patients, staff, equipment, and supplies have also been established. The appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been determined based on the level of risk per area. The role of CARB is then very important in the assignment of patients in the proper areas based on its assessment.
5. Out-patient consultations at the Medical Arts Building (MAB) now follows an appointment system with guides posted to assist patients on where to go. This is to avoid crowding and congestion in the building and in order that proper social or physical distancing can be observed. Furthermore, precautionary measures such as temperature checking, hand sanitation, and foot baths are being applied at all Hospital entrances. Finally, round-the-clock disinfection and sanitation of high touch, high traffic areas are done for the safety of everyone.
6. Healthcare workers caring for a patient positive with COVID-19 or even one that is yet being observed for infection are being provided the necessary PPEs for their safety and protection. Staff who come into contact with confirmed and/or suspect COVID-19 patients are regulary assessed for risks of infection following the “World Health Organization (WHO) Health Workers Exposure Risk Assessment and Management in the Context of COVID-19 Virus” as well as recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure in a Healthcare Setting to Patients with Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)”. This is used as a basis as to whether we will isolate and/or quarantine a staff member.
Since the start of this pandemic, SUMC’s CARB has screened three hundred twenty- nine (329) patients. Sixty (60) of the suspected cases were swabbed with six (6) confirmed cases. Except for the first confirmed case in Negros Oriental who was admitted in the Hospital, all confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases have recovered and have been discharged with clean bills of health. One COVID-19 positive case is currently recovering.
SUMC continues to uphold its mission of ensuring the well-being of the community by administering and following the relevant and appropriate protocols and guidelines to lessen the risk of transmission. We urge and encourage everyone to do their share by also following the proper health protocols and guidelines and to be transparent with their condition(s) especially when dealing with our healthcare workers. This way, we will not unnecessarily have to redirect our scarce resources to contain potential spread. Hospitals, as you know, are considered the last bastion in the war against this unseen enemy. We need them to conserve and focus their energies in the right places and not have their efforts dissipated.
Together, We Shall Overcome.
July 28, 2020.
