An exercise in the provision of care for an adult patient under investigation (PUI) for Ebola: A patient care drill

Abstract

<p>In October of 2014 Indianapolis found itself, like many communities, preparing for the unknown realities of providing care to a Patient under Investigation (PUI) for Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). A group of clinical experts from local facilities gathered to discuss clinical management, guidelines, challenges, and opportunities. Trainings and exercises with local EMS agencies had already begun within the community. But more in depth hospital exercises had not yet been conducted. The clinicians recommended developing an exercise specific to patient care areas where a PUI would be taken care of.<br /><br />A team of experts in patient simulation, infection control, patient care, and emergency management was gathered to explore the development of an exercise toolkit to assist local hospitals in implementing their Ebola response systems. What quickly became apparent was that the framework outlined was not only a simulation template for Ebola, but for any Highly Infectious Disease (HID).<br /><br />What has evolved is a 4-hour patient care simulation designed specifically for the patient care environment where a PUI would be cared for. This timeframe was chosen to allow sufficient time in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), to test systems, and to allow for a change in patient care teams.</p>