Strategic Optimization of Patient Flow and Staffing Schemes during the COVID-19 Pandemic through Operations Management in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges in making time-bound hospital management decisions. The University of the Philippines -Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) is a tertiary COVID-19 referral center located in Manila, Philippines. The mismatch of increasing suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infected mothers with few documented cases of infected infants has caused significant patient overflow and manpower shortage in its NICU. Objective. We present an evaluated scheme for NICU bed reallocation to maximize capacity performance, staffrostering, and resource conservation, while preserving COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures. Methods. Existing process workflows translated into operational models helped create a solution that modified cohorting and testing schemes. Staffing models were transitioned to meet patient flow. Outcome measurements were obtained, and feedback was monitored during the implementation phase. Results. The scheme evaluation demonstrated benefits in (a) achieving shorter COVID-19 subunit length of stay; (b) better occupancy rates with minimal overflows; (c) workforce shortage mitigation with increased non-COVID workforce pool; (d) reduced personal protective equipment requirements; and (e) zero true SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conclusion. Designed for hospital operations leaders and stakeholders, this operations process can aid in hospital policy formulation in modifying cohorting schemes to maintain quality NICU care and service during the COVID-19 pandemic.