Risk Management and Healthcare Policy (Aug 2021)
A Stepwise Approach to Inbound Passenger Management at a COVID-19 Temporary Medical Observation Site
Abstract
Yongfang Zhang,1,* Di Wang,2,* Weiqun Liu,1 Yin Zhang,3 Lina Zhou,4 Hanhuan Yuan,5 Jiaming Yao,6 Ming Li7 1Department of Nursing, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 3The Party and Government Office, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Publicity, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 5Infectious Disease Control and Disinfection Management Section, Shanghai Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 6Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA; 7Dean’s Office, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ming LiShanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Affiliated Zhoupu Hospital, 1500 W Zhouyuan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201318, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 2168135590 Ext. 6001Fax +86 21-68135715Email [email protected] YaoColumbia University School of Nursing, 560 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USATel +1-6463391188Email [email protected]: To implement epidemic prevention among entry personnel, Shanghai has launched a number of Medical Observation Sites (Observation Site) for which high expectations are set. Ours is one such Observation Site.Methods: As part of a novel project, we did not have any previous experience to use as reference. Despite some challenges, we achieved satisfactory outcomes by establishing a stepwise approach to inbound passenger management, including the division of the working area of the Observation Site, dynamic management of the rooms, closed-loop management of the isolated personnel.Results: As of May 14, 2020, a total of 42 Observation Sites were operational in Pudong New Area. The following are the detailed descriptions of our Temporary Medical Observation Site set up and work flow.Conclusion: Early screening of inbound passengers as well as prompt and dynamic management of information about passengers’ close contacts play an active role in preventing an influx of cases. As a pilot program, we have a model that is effective despite some limitations.Keywords: COVID-19, observation, pandemic, screening, airport, room
