As the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues in US and most of the world, it is very hard to focus on anything else currently. We recognize that there is great deal of anxiety about what is yet to come. The CDC has issued a directive related to daily monitoring of personnel for symptoms concerning COVID-19. ACCE strongly encourages all Clinical Engineering/HTM Departments to perform daily checks for their staff, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Daily Monitoring and COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
ASK YOUR STAFF TO REPORT SELF MONITORING SYMPTOMS FOR POSSIBLE COVID-19
- Influenza-like illness or
- fever (subjective or T >=100º Fahrenheit/37.8º Celsius) or
- active cough or
- shortness of breath or
- sore throat or
- uncontained secretions (runny nose)
COVID-19 STAFF PREPAREDNESS PLAN
- Spread out technicians in 3 shifts in order to limit close contact (less people in the shop)
- Separate technicians in clusters working in different areas. If someone gets infected from one of the clusters, you can have other clusters jump in to help
- Identify positions that can work from home or from a remote site, and implement an onsite/offsite schedule
- Utilize Skype/Webex/Zoom or other video communication tools for meetings
- Implement a 10-hour shifts/4 days to limit amount of time onsite
- Eliminate/postpone all non-essential projects
- Only allow vendors onsite for high priority repairs during this period
- Identify devices that may be a shortage on during this time (Patient monitors, ventilators, CRRT, Heart/Lung Machines,CAPR, etc.) and communicate with vendors for a backup plan
- File a Medical Necessity Document with vendors who have such a program – that way you can get access to certain equipment during the emergency
If you or your organization have a document that can be shared with our CE/HTM community, please send it to
secretariat@accenet.org.