The authors identified six key surge capacity strategies, which were compiled from multiple sources:
1. Prepare. Hospitals can prepare for patient volume surges by stockpiling commonly needed items, such as morphine and intubation.
2. Conserve. Emergency departments should restrict the use of certain therapies or interventions to maintain supply.
3. Substitute. Substituting a limited resource with something that is functionally equivalent and more accessible can preserve the facility’s resources. For example, physicians can use benzodiazepines instead of propofol for sedation of a tracheally intubated patient, according to the article.
4. Adapt. Creating new ways to use devices can replace a limited or nonexistent resource. For example, an anesthesia machine or Bi-level positive airway pressure machine could be used as a temporary ventilator, according to the article.
5. Reuse. Most material resources can be reused after appropriate cleaning and sterilization.
6. Reallocate. Physicians may be forced to allocate critical resources, such as ventilators, to the patients most likely to benefit. This should be done only as a last resort, according to the article.
More Articles on Capacity Management:
Using HIT to Improve ED Patient Flow, Performance: Q&A with Dr. Michael Westcott, CMIO of Alegent Health
Web-Based Tool May Ease ED Overcrowding During Flu Season
On-site Flu Clinics May Ease ED Crowding While Maintaining Quality Care
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
