ECRI Institute creates resource center for hospitals

THE ECRI INSTITUTE last week launched a resource center on its website to help providers prepare for potential threats associated with the Wuhan coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Outbreak Preparedness Center, which is free to the public, includes lists of supplemental devices and supplies as well as guidance on how clinicians can prepare for viral outbreaks.

Hospitals “should be looking at this,” said Dr. Andrew Furman, executive director of clinical excellence at ECRI. “The more you are ready for what could come in, there is no panic in the room, everyone feels comfortable in their role, the patient and family sense that same level of comfort because they know they are in good hands to get the care they need.”

Some hospitals are already taking steps to prepare for the coronavirus. Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville set up alerts in its electronic health record for patients entering the hospital with a fever or respiratory symptoms, and then are asked if they have recently visited China.

The online resources are based on lessons learned from previous outbreaks, particularly Ebola and severe acute respiratory syndrome, another coronavirus. ECRI offered a similar online resource center during those outbreaks, but Furman said the responses were more reactionary. “We have an opportunity here to step forward before this is a major event in the U.S.,” he said.

Among the materials in the resource center are a list of portable ventilators rated by ECRI and a list of suppliers that offer equipment like respirators, shoe covers, masks and gloves.