Implementing a negative-pressure isolation ward for a surge in airborne infectious patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During a large-scale airborne infectious disease outbreak, the number of patients needing hospital-based health care services may exceed available negative-pressure isolation room capacity.

Methods

To test one method of increasing hospital surge capacity, a temporary negative-pressure isolation ward was established at a fully functioning hospital. Negative pressure was achieved in a 30-bed hospital ward by adjusting the ventilation system. Differential pressure was continuously measured at 22 locations, and ventilation airflow was characterized throughout the ward.

Results

The pressure on the test ward relative to the main hospital hallway was -29 Pa on average, approximately 10 times higher than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for a

SUBMITTER: Miller SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7115276 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature