Thread by @FintanYTWalsh

Singapore, at one stage, had the highest rate of #Covid19 cases outside China.

One of the key preparations to contain the problem was ICU management.

Following the SARS outbreak in 2003, they built enough single ICU rooms for suspect and confirmed #coronavirus cases.

But infection prevention and control was key. They now have a rigorous IPC plan of action:

In order to avoid cross-contamination, staff have a roster to segregate clean and isolated staff, so there’s always a reliable cohort to treat new patients.

There’s always clean scrubs at the start and appropriate showering facilities at the end of their shift.

Isolation teams have a two-week off-duty observation period, also known as a “wash-out” period after every ward cover, if the manpower permits

Thermal scanners are at the doorstep to scan for fevers

And an organised hospital visitor lot to provide efficient contact tracing and mapping in the event of a confirmed case

Among other strategies for healthcare workers, there’s also a plan of action for burnout and stress. This includes:

Means and drinks to boost morale, provision of local information on the situation, frequent engagement by superiors through emails, apps and social media

The publication of timely articles and courageous stories of frontline staff, and media coverage of staff efforts which increases empathy and stigma reduction.

Reference: ccforum.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.11…