HOW DO I DO IT ?
General Recommendations for Everyone
• Maintain social distancing .
• Focus on proper hand hygiene .
• Non-healthcare industries should make every effort to identify alternatives to medicalgrade PPE ( such as FDA-cleared N95 respiratory protection devices , surgical gowns , gloves , etc . that are critically needed by the Healthcare , Public Health , and Emergency Responder Sectors ). All industries should conserve medical PPE for providing medical care .
• If feasible , conduct interactions with patients and the general public outdoors or in large open spaces .
REDUCE usage rate of PPE
Conventional – Engineering and Physical Barriers
• Use barrier controls when possible to limit the need for PPE ( e . g ., polycarbonate / acrylic barriers , partially rolled up car windows for COVID interviews or testing ).
• Ensure ventilation systems are functioning properly .
• Use of curtains between patients in shared areas .
• Use closed suctioning systems for airway suctioning for intubated patients .
• When clinically appropriate , place infusion monitors , vitals monitors , and ventilators outside of patient rooms , and utilize FDA authorized devices for remote monitoring to allow monitoring and management without entering the room .
Conventional – Work Practices , Administrative Changes , and Technology
• Implement source controls ( e . g ., patient masking ).
• Limit visitor access and offer technology-based alternatives ( e . g ., video chat ) for patient-family and other non-medical interactions and visits .
• Incorporate auxiliary aids and services into technology-based alternatives such as tele-consultation , internet-based interviews , or remote-camera based observation to achieve effective communication .
• American ' s with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) Requirements for Effective Communication .
• Minimize number of people with , and frequency of , direct patient or general public contact .
• Cohort patients who are suspected of having COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 .
• Consolidate activities to a single visit ( e . g ., meals , welfare checks , vitals checks , medication administration ).
• Use automated or “ no-contact ” delivery of food and supplies .
• Modify supporting staff workflow ( e . g ., environmental services , food and nutrition ) to limit PPE use .
Contingency – Personal Protective Equipment
• Understand your PPE requirements and burn rates and anticipate future needs .
• CDC PPE Burn Rate Calculator
• Extend use-times of undamaged , non-visibly soiled PPE beyond single patient contact and other conventional practice durations .
• See FDA considerations for conservation of surgical masks and gowns .
• FDA Surgical Mask and Gown Conservation Strategies
• FDA Medical Glove Conservation Strategies
• See OSHA guidance temporarily allowing enforcement discretion for certain provisions of the Respiratory Protection Standard ( 1910.134 ) and other OSHA guidance regarding PPE shortages
July 13 , 2020 Update – Page 2 of 4