Facilities masked and isolated patient actors simulating avian flu in 60% of unannounced drills, according to a CDC study published Oct. 1.
The study, which appeared in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, analyzed 73 drills of a simulated avian influenza A(H5) scenario at facilities in New Jersey, New York and the U.S. Virgin Islands from January through June. Of those, 42 were in emergency departments, 19 in hospital outpatient clinics and 12 in urgent care centers.
Patient actors, also known as mystery patients, reported “signs, symptoms and a history compatible with avian influenza A(H5) infection,” according to the study. “The patient actor used cosmetics, petroleum jelly and eye drops to simulate unilateral conjunctivitis.”
About 60% of drills (44 of 73) were deemed successful because staff appropriately masked and isolated the patient actors. Median times for both steps missed their targets by one minute. Among 60 drills in which a patient was appropriately masked, the median interval from arrival to masking was two minutes, whereas the target was one minute. The median time to isolation was 11 minutes, while the target was 10 minutes.
Exposure-specific screening and use of personal protective equipment were “inconsistent,” the study said. Here are five other findings:
- Only in 7 of 73 drills (9.6%) did staff ask avian flu-specific exposure questions, such as contact with sick birds.
- Clinicians wore all required PPE (gloves, mask, gown and eye protection) in 17 of 68 drills (25%) and 0 in 4 (5.9%).
- The patient actor was identified as being at risk for avian influenza in 45 of 71 (63.4%) drills.
- Internal infection prevention and control staff members were notified or scheduled to be notified in 40 of 73 (54.8%) drills.
- During these drills, facilities conducted symptom screening in 68 (93%) drills and obtained travel history upon patient arrival in 58 (80%) drills.
