Related Experiment Videos
Standardized management of patients and employees exposed to pertussis
D J Haiduven1, C P Hench, S M Simpkins
1Infection Control Department, Santa Clara County Health and Hospital System, San Jose, CA, USA.
Insights
Waning immunity and asymptomatic adult spread increase pertussis (whooping cough) risks for children. A new protocol standardizes management for exposed employees and patients, ensuring consistent care and reducing transmission.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Waning immunity to pertussis (whooping cough) and transmission by asymptomatic adults increase vulnerable children's exposure risks.
- The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center experienced 49 pertussis exposures in pediatric units between 1989 and 1997, impacting Employee Health Services (EHS) and Emergency Departments (ED).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a standardized protocol for managing pertussis exposures among employees and patients.
- To ensure consistent and effective infection control measures for pertussis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a comprehensive protocol including checklists, memoranda, and written guidelines for physicians and EHS/ED staff.
- Implemented management strategies for exposed patients (prophylaxis, isolation) and employees (prophylaxis, masking, work restrictions).
Main Results:
- The protocol provides standardized management for pertussis exposures in both patients and employees.
- Exposed employees can work while masked until prophylaxis is complete or for the full contagious period if refused.
- Employees developing pertussis are restricted from work.
Conclusions:
- A standardized protocol is effective in managing pertussis exposures within a healthcare setting.
- Consistent management strategies improve infection control and reduce potential transmission of pertussis.
- The protocol ensures appropriate prophylaxis and isolation measures for patients and employees.
Abstract:
Waning pertussis immunity and spread of pertussis by asymptomatic adults contributes to increased pertussis exposures of vulnerable children. The Santa Clara Valley Medical Center had 49 pertussis exposures between July 1, 1989, and June 30, 1997, which originated in pediatric units or clinics and had an impact on the Employee Health Service (EHS) and Emergency Department (ED). We have developed a standardized protocol for management of employees and patients exposed to pertussis. The protocol includes a checklist for infection control staff; memoranda to exposed units conveying exposure information, instructions for employees to report to EHS or ED, and disease symptom information; written guidelines for physician management of patient exposures (prophylaxis and isolation) and EHS or ED management of employee exposures; and prophylaxis recommendations. We allow exposed employees to work while wearing a mask (worn until 5 days of prophylaxis are completed or for the entire potential contagious period if prophylaxis was refused). Employees who develop pertussis are restricted from work. Our protocol and standardized forms provide consistent management of pertussis exposures in both patients and employees.