Healthcare providers urged to plan for the worst as coronavirus spreads

As the number of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases continues to grow in the United States, Iowa healthcare employers are urged to review and update their policies and procedures relating to public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks. Although the risk to Iowans is currently low, providers should be prepared to execute protocols if a suspected or confirmed case is identified within their organization or community. Read on to learn about precautions providers can take now to prepare.

Plan for worst-case scenario

Because it's impossible to predict where a suspected coronavirus case could be reported, you need to plan for the worst-case scenario. Regardless of whether you are a critical access hospital, urban health system, rural health clinic, or large specialty provider, you should be prepared for the possibility a suspected case may walk in or call your facility.

Such individuals may not present as patients but could be employees, visitors, contractors, or medical staff members. Providers should know how they will respond from the first moment of patient interaction, ensuring their protocols include the most recent guidance from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Identify key personnel