Learning from the first wave: Lessons about managing patient flow and resource utilization on medical wards at...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Infectious Disease Control
• Hospital Operations

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation of hospital protocols to manage patient flow and minimize nosocomial transmission.
• Existing hospital infrastructure and operational processes required modification to address the challenges posed by the pandemic, including uncertain disease transmission and fluctuating patient loads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the successful implementation of a modified Traffic Control Bundling (TCB) protocol, named "Red, Yellow and Green," in an inpatient medical setting.
• To demonstrate how hospitals can rapidly reorganize operational and clinical processes to reallocate capacity, minimize exposure, and reduce COVID-19 transmission.
• To provide preliminary evidence on redesigning hospital facilities for adjustable ward capacity to contain disease under uncertain conditions.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a modified Traffic Control Bundling (TCB) protocol, "Red, Yellow and Green," on inpatient medical units.
• Reorganization of operational and clinical processes to manage hospital capacity and patient traffic flow.
• Focus on risk management, capacity, and demand management strategies.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of the "Red, Yellow and Green" TCB protocol in a Canadian hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Demonstrated ability to minimize exposure and improve traffic flow within the hospital.
• Preliminary evidence of reduced nosocomial transmissions of COVID-19 to healthcare workers and patients.

Conclusions:

• The modified TCB protocol offers a viable strategy for hospitals to rapidly adapt and manage operational challenges during pandemics.
• Redesigning facilities for adjustable ward capacity is beneficial for disease containment amidst uncertainty.
• Effective risk, capacity, and demand management are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response in healthcare settings.