Emergency Department Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Schreyer, Kraftin E.; del Portal, Daniel A.; King, L. J. Linus; Blome, Andrea; DeAngelis, Michael; Stauffer, Karen; Desrochers, Kevin; Donahue, William; Politarhos, Nancy; Raab, Claire; McNamara, Robert

Abstract Background Emergency Departments (EDs) need to be prepared to manage crises and disasters in both the short and long term. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid overhaul of several aspects of ED operations in preparation for a sustained response. Objective of the Review:We present the management of the COVID-19 crisis in three EDs (one large academic site, and two community sites) within the same health system. Discussion Aspects of ED throughput, including patient screening, patient room placement, and disposition are reviewed, along with departmental communication procedures and staffing models. Visitor policies are additionally discussed. Special considerations are given to airway management and the care of psychiatric patients. Brief guidance around the use of personal protective equipment is also included. Conclusions A crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic requires careful planning to facilitate urgent restructuring of many aspects of an ED. By sharing our departments’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope other departments can better prepare for this crisis and the next.