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Hospital preparedness and SARS.
Mona R Loutfy1, Tamara Wallington, Tim Rutledge
1McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. mloutfy@nygh.on.ca
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 18, 2004
Summary
Toronto
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Hospital Management
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in Toronto.
- Second phase outbreak occurred on May 23, 2003.
- North York General Hospital was the primary facility involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the hospital's response and management of the SARS outbreak.
- To identify key factors in outbreak management.
- To provide recommendations for future pandemic preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Review of hospital response and management strategies.
- Analysis of factors including building preparation, personnel, infection control, and patient management.
- Examination of policies, training, and psychological support.
Main Results:
- Ninety confirmed SARS cases and over 620 potential cases managed.
- Over 9,000 contacts identified, many requiring quarantine.
- Comprehensive review of hospital operations during the outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Effective management requires a multi-faceted approach.
- Preparedness strategies should encompass infrastructure, personnel, and robust infection control.
- Lessons learned are applicable to future outbreaks of any origin.