MDH Task Force SARS

 

Date: August 8, 2003

 

TO: MDH Management Committee

 

FROM: Reynaldo O. Joson, MD

 

RE: Closing Report on MDH Task Force SARS

 

 

I am submitting this closing report on the MDH Task Force SARS together with a manual entitled “How Manila Doctors Hospital Responded to the Challenge of SARS” and a diskette that contains the files of the manual as well as those in the website (http://xsarsmdh.tripod.com).

 

Copies of these manuscripts will be stored in the office of the Infection Control Committee and the Quality Council for archiving as well as for future use as a prototype in the control of epidemics that may affect MDH.

 

The MDH Task Force SARS was created April 2, 2003.  It is going to cease its existence on August 10, 2003, totaling 4 months of operation.

 

Below is a summary of results:

 

  1. NO SARS patient admitted in MDH.
    1. 8 patients with possible SARS detected at ER and referred to DOH referral centers.
    2. 2 patients with possible SARS detected inside hospital, one isolated in Floor 11 and one referred to RITM.  Both later turned out  to be NOT SARS.
  2. A level 3 preparedness was achieved by May 16, 2003, about 6 weeks after the organizational meeting of the task force.  Level 3 preparedness means completely prepared with policies, strategies, and procedures; physical facilities; and training with at least a drill.
  3. A triage-isolation-holding room in the ER which can be used for other cases of infectious diseases.
  4. An expense of about PhP 200,000 in the preparedness program.
  5. NO downturn in hospital business development and stability associated with SARS scare and panic.

 

A transition phase has been instituted for one month (July 11 to August 10, 2003) in the form of admitting patients with pneumonia only to single private rooms for isolation and monitoring.  This policy will be continued indefinitely as a vigilance strategy against SARS and other future infectious diseases.

 

Thanks to the management, members of MDH Task Force SARS, all staff of MDH, and the public for all the support to protect MDH from SARS.

 

Lessons learned and which I would like to endorse:

 

  1. SARS panic and stigma are more destructive and dangerous than the SARS disease itself.  They must be avoided at all cost and stopped immediately.
  2. Doctors are difficult to manage in terms of cooperation and collaboration in a hospital epidemic control program.  Stern measures must be instituted to make the doctors respect and follow the chain of command.
  3. The humanitarian spirit of health professionals become fragile in the face of an epidemic.  Non-confrontational strategies and persuasion should be done.
  4. Multisectoral cooperation and a unity of command are essential in a hospital epidemic preparedness and control program.

 

 

Reynaldo O. Joson, MD

Chair, MDH Task Force SARS