Inpatient Care of Patients with COVID-19: A Guide for Hospitalists
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Zachary A Yetmar1, Meltiady Issa2, Sadia Munawar2
1Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minn.
Insights
Hospitalists must prepare for the pandemic by implementing logistical planning and information sharing systems. Educating healthcare workers on infection control and personal protective equipment is crucial for managing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Hospital Administration
Background:
- The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019 led to a global pandemic, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- Increasing hospitalization rates of severe COVID-19 cases necessitate updated clinical management strategies for hospitalists.
- The pandemic presents unique logistical and social challenges for healthcare systems and providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential considerations for hospitalists managing patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- To emphasize the importance of robust infection control measures and effective information dissemination.
- To address the need for preparedness regarding staff availability and patient care during a pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Review of current epidemiological data and clinical guidelines for COVID-19.
- Recommendations for establishing logistical planning and information-sharing systems within hospitals.
- Guidance on infection control, including universal and isolation precautions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) utilization.
- Strategies for promoting social distancing and innovative contact reduction methods.
- Contingency planning for potential staff shortages due to illness.
Main Results:
- Effective management of COVID-19 requires a multi-faceted approach combining clinical expertise with logistical and public health strategies.
- Clear protocols for infection control, including appropriate PPE use, are paramount to protect healthcare workers and prevent transmission.
- Proactive planning for potential disruptions, such as staff unavailability, is essential for maintaining patient care continuity.
- Accurate and timely information sharing among healthcare professionals is critical for coordinated response.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalists play a vital role in pandemic response, requiring continuous education and adaptation.
- Implementing structured systems for logistical planning and information sharing enhances patient care and infection control.
- Preparedness for staff-related contingencies is crucial for sustained healthcare delivery during widespread outbreaks.
Abstract:
Since its emergence in December 2019, the virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has quickly caused a pandemic. This virus causes a disease now known as coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. As an increasing proportion of the at-risk population becomes infected, and patients with severe illness are hospitalized, it is essential for hospitalists to remain current on how to best care for people with suspected or confirmed disease. Establishing a system for logistical planning, and accurate information sharing is strongly recommended. Infection control remains the ultimate goal. As such, health care workers should be educated on universal and isolation precautions, and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment. Social distancing should be encouraged to prevent the spread of infection, and creative and innovative ways to reduce contact may need to be considered. Moreover, it is imperative to prepare for contingencies as medical staff will inevitably get sick or become unavailable. Hospitalists have the difficult task of caring for patients while also adapting to the many logistical and social elements of a pandemic.
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