Adapting a secondary hospital into a makeshift COVID-19 hospital: A strategic roadmap to the impending crisis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Hospitals are designed to cater to an average patient load in terms of staffingand infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic makes it challenging for hospitals and the entire health care system in rationing care and resources to cater to the patients. Methods: A multidisciplinary team comprising of hospital administrators and caregivers from both public and private healthcare systems were involved in operationalizing makeshift COVID-19 hospital. Strategic and Operational planning, Rationing care, spatial separation and temporal separation were employed to ensure optimal staff deployment while minimizing exposure ofcritical care team. Results: Protocols and guidelines for COVID-19 hospital were developed. The guidelines discuss the staff mix from various clinical backgrounds who can be trained to form a team with the Anaesthesiology, Emergency care and Critical care personnel. Protocols on patient pathway pertaining to COVID and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) have been outlined. Conclusion: The emphasis is on collaboration among healthcare institutions, government and healthcare personnel to combat the war like situation so that minimum lives are put at risk. A public private partnership model and creation of makeshift COVID-19 hospital will address concerns related to PPE shortages, staff burnout, and interruption to non-COVID cases care delivery thereby reducing apprehension of both caregivers and patients.