Asante revises workflows to screen for possible novel coronavirus

In response to the emergence and spread of this new pathogen, novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, Asante has updated workflows throughout the system. Now, all registration staff are expected to ask more detailed questions about symptoms and travel history within the past month.

This more comprehensive initial screening process requires patient service representatives to obtain information on the specific countries and dates of travel along with symptoms of concern (fever, respiratory symptoms including cough or shortness of breath). It will allow those with risk factors for 2019-nCoV infection to be quickly identified at the time of initial registration and appropriately managed to reduce the risk to staff and other patients.

We’re continuing to explore opportunities to expand this screening to other critical health system access points, such as appointment scheduling by phone, and through MyChart. Surgical self-service check-in kiosks have been turned off for now.

These workflows are individualized for the following three most
common presentations:

• Inpatient and ED
• Outpatient and urgent care
• Outpatient ancillary services (labs, imaging, etc.)

We’ll share more updates as we expand travel and symptom screening efforts. This screening was developed by Epic for national implementation. We are continuing to ensure that workflows are streamlined and to limit interruption in patient care.

Asante’s three workflow algorithms also are posted on the Infection Prevention website and will be linked to the BPA that will fire in Epic if the patient screens positive based on their travel history and symptoms of concern.

As this is a rapidly evolving situation, and information may change quickly, we ask that you encourage unit leaders to keep current on and utilize the most updated version of the algorithm by using the electronic access point and watching closely for notification from Infection Prevention regarding updated materials.

Three ways to limit exposure

IDENTIFY. Obtain travel history for all patients, particularly those with fever or respiratory symptoms.

ISOLATE. Provide the patient with a surgical mask and immediately move them to an isolated area, preferably an airborne isolation room. Follow the algorithm.

INFORM. If a patient screens
positive, follow the best practice alert information in Epic and notify clinical staff, who can determine if the patient meets the CDC’s criteria for a person under investigation (PUI). If so, they
should contact the local public health department and Asante Infection Prevention immediately. CDC website. CDC clinical guidance.