A Conceptual and Adaptable Approach to Hospital Preparedness for Acute Surge Events Due to Emerging Infectious...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The World Health Organization declared novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a global pandemic, the first since 2009 H1N1 influenza A.
• Emerging respiratory pathogens frequently trigger acute surge events, characterized by extreme healthcare capacity strain.
• These events involve increased care demands, decreased resources, and deviations from standard care delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a conceptual framework for understanding healthcare capacity strain.
• To introduce a preparedness and response strategy for acute surge events, focusing on novel respiratory viral pathogens.
• To outline key resources and domains for managing healthcare capacity during public health emergencies.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual introduction to healthcare capacity strain, detailing etiologies like patient volume, acuity, special care demands, and resource reduction.
• Presentation of a framework for key resources during acute surge events: the "four Ss" (space, staff, stuff, system).
• Discussion of adaptable approaches and common domains for preparation and response to acute surge events.

Main Results:

• A conceptual understanding of healthcare capacity strain and its contributing factors.
• A structured framework ('four Ss') for assessing and managing critical resources during surge events.
• Identification of key domains for effective preparation and response strategies.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of healthcare capacity strain is crucial during pandemics and emerging respiratory pathogen outbreaks.
• The 'four Ss' framework provides a systematic approach to preparedness and resource allocation.
• Adaptable strategies are essential for healthcare systems to combat novel viral threats and ensure continued care delivery.