Preparing for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases: Example of a high-level isolation unit

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Intensive Care Medicine
• Public Health Preparedness

Background:

• High-consequence infectious diseases (HCID) necessitate specialized high-level isolation units (HLIU) for patient management.
• Optimal intensive care is crucial for reducing case fatality rates in HCID.
• Preparedness of HLIEs is essential despite the rarity of HCID in Western Europe.

Observation:

• Monthly joint training sessions for doctors and nurses in intensive care medicine were implemented.
• Yearly exercises with partner institutions simulated real-life scenarios for HCID patient admission.
• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic impacted training schedules but highlighted the importance of HLIU readiness.

Findings:

• Training sessions demonstrated a positive effect on perceived competence, with participants valuing regular joint training.
• Exercises identified critical areas for improvement that were addressed through action plans.
• Enhanced cooperation among German HLIEs during the pandemic ensured continued readiness.

Implications:

• Regular joint training and scenario-based exercises are vital for HLIU preparedness.
• Continuous evaluation and adaptation of training programs are necessary.
• Inter-institutional collaboration strengthens national capacity for managing HCID events.