Operationalization of an Expanded Anteroom in a COVID-19–Dedicated Hospital in South Korea

Abstract

The concentration of patients in a few facilities burdens healthcare providers and the healthcare system. This study examined the operations of an extended anteroom in a COVID-19–dedicated hospital. It presents issues to consider in the deployment and operation of an extended anteroom through discussions by expert working groups. The subjects covered included efficient space, staffing, equipment management, and education. The process involved wearing personal protective equipment (personal protective equipment; in this case, Level D), and if necessary, wearing additional powered air purification respirators (PAPR), after moving from the preparation room to the dressing room, and when entering the hospital through the entrance passage. When leaving the hospital, personnel used a mandatory exit-only passage. In the dressing room, they undressed, and then went outside. The efficient spatial composition of the anteroom facilitated entry and exit, as well as the separation of contaminated and non-contaminated areas using colors and lines. As COVID-19 spread rapidly in the community, COVID-19–dedicated hospitals were established highly quickly. Therefore, there exists a limitation because sufficient discussion with external experts has not been made. In the future, the development of an operating manual for dedicated infectious disease hospitals and continued research into the improvement of care is needed. This study indicated the need to develop educational programs and use educational simulations, to address regionally spread infectious diseases.