Identify, Isolate, Inform Approach for High Consequence Infectious Diseases
We would like to acknowledge and thank M Health Fairview for their contributions of piloting these tools. M Fairview Health is the newly expanded collaboration between the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services. The healthcare system combines the best of academic and community medicine – expanding access to world-class, breakthrough care through our 10 hospitals and 60 clinics.
This nine step algorithm walks healthcare providers through the steps to 1) quickly Identify patients with symptoms consistent with communicable infectious diseases, and 2) rapidly Isolate them to limit exposures. It then couples presenting symptoms with an epidemiologic travel assessment to stratify those who might have a high consequence infectious disease (Identify) and require further Isolation and escalation within and external to the facility (Inform).
The algorithm can be adapted with a built-in plug and play feature that allows healthcare facilities to include local or site-specific outbreaks of interest in the screening.
If a patient is flagged by the Communicable Infectious Diseases Identify, Isolate, Inform Algorithm as being at risk for infection with a special pathogen based on presenting symptoms and epidemiologic risk (Country List with Outbreaks of Interest) your clinicians may need support in further assessing the patient. This template supports a targeted clinical history and captures many of the common pieces of information that local subject matter experts (facility infectious disease clinicians or infection control) or your public health authority will want to know when you discuss the case with them (Inform).
Give your frontline team members information that is easy to access and utilize in real time. This template supports identification of outbreaks of concern and is to be used in conjunction with the Communicable Infectious Diseases Identify, Isolate, Inform Algorithm.
Once developed this resource requires input and upkeep by a knowledgeable member of your facility team, it also allows you to adapt to existing situations and your patient population and facility risk tolerance.
Communication is a critical component of managing a special pathogens patient. If a patient is flagged as potentially having a high consequence infectious disease, ensure your staff know who to alert (Inform) and how.
Most healthcare workers have limited experiences with special pathogens. Creating short, pathogen-specific guides that address pathogen transmission, isolation measures, symptoms and patient assessment can provide much needed support during what can be a stressful time. We have provided a template on recommended components and two exemplars from different facilities demonstrating the concept. If you choose to create disease specific fact sheets, they should be reviewed and updated on a routine basis to remain current.
