Authors (including presenting author) :
Cheung WM (1), TSANG TY (2), WAN CKP (3), To WK (4), TANG MK (5), LAM PK (6), TONG KM (6), YEUNG WK (7)
Affiliation :
(1)Q&S,(2)HAIDC,(3)HKICC,(4)ICT,(5)CND,(6)IT,(7)Admin
Introduction :
Centralization of COVID patients to HKICC/HAIDC was implemented on 16 November 2021. Large number of staff entered COVID wards every day. With increasing concern on Omicron strain, there is overwhelming need to develop a system for access control, staff entry registry and facilitate compliance check on PCR testing.
Objectives :
A workflow and novel staff tracking system would be developed for 1) Access control management 2) Record of entry into AIIR rooms, the duration of stay and patient contact history 3) Facilitation of compliance check on staff PCR testing according to prevailing infection control policy
Methodology :
An adaptable workflow and a novel tracking system was designed to fit the operation in HKICC, HAIDC and ICU(IDC). Security officers used iPad, staff card readers or barcode scanning for access control function at the ward entrance. Staff identity was matched with the pre-registered list. A simple color-code system allowed them to recognize staff with access right. The entry time was immediately recorded and would not cause delay in emergency context. Upon leaving, staff was required to perform one step entry to record patient contact history. This arrangement facilitated retrospective staff contact tracing. Supervisors received email notification which facilitated compliance check on staff’s PCR test.
Result & Outcome :
Large number of staff from various discipline (healthcare professionals, supporting staff and colleagues from facility/equipment management) are required to enter designated COVID wards for daily operation. No formal access control mechanism or staff entry/exit registry into designated COVID wards was implemented in the past. With a new workflow and the novel staff tracking system, access control into COVID ward/zone, information on patient contact/duration of stay and compliance check on staff PCR testing can be enhanced. Retrospective contact tracing on exposed staff, which might be a difficult task, would also be facilitated.
