Epidemic preparedness in New Hampshire: assessment of increased airborne infection isolation capacity 1 year after distribution of portable isolation units

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2007 Sep;28(9):1093-5. doi: 10.1086/519868. Epub 2007 Jun 28.

Abstract

We surveyed hospital personnel regarding their preparedness to use and their actual use of portable isolation units that were distributed to increase facilities' capacity to place patients under airborne infection isolation precautions. Although personnel reported feeling prepared to use portable isolation units, the effectiveness of the unit deployment program would be enhanced by retrofitted rooms and an improved ability to monitor negative air pressure.

MeSH terms

  • Data Collection
  • Disaster Planning / methods*
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / instrumentation*
  • New Hampshire
  • Patient Isolators / supply & distribution*
  • Quarantine