Foundations of the severe acute respiratory syndrome preparedness and response plan for healthcare facilities.
OBJECTIVE
To help facilities prepare for potential future cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).


METHODS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), assisted by members of professional societies representing public health, healthcare workers, and healthcare administrators, developed guidance to help facilities both prepare for and respond to cases of SARS.


METHODS
The recommendations in the CDC document were based on some of the important lessons learned in healthcare settings around the world during the SARS outbreak of 2003, including that (1) a SARS outbreak requires a coordinated and dynamic response by multiple groups; (2) unrecognized cases of SARS-associated coronavirus are a significant source of transmission; (3) restricting access to the healthcare facility can minimize transmission; (4) airborne infection isolation is recommended, but facilities and equipment may not be available; and (5) staffing needs and support will pose a significant challenge.


CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare facilities were at the center of the SARS outbreak of 2003 and played a key role in controlling the epidemic. Recommendations in the CDC's SARS preparedness and response guidance for healthcare facilities will help facilities prepare for possible future outbreaks of SARS.
Srinivasan
Arjun
A
Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
McDonald
Lawrence C
LC
Jernigan
Daniel
D
Helfand
Rita
R
Ginsheimer
Kathleen
K
Jernigan
John
J
Chiarello
Linda
L
Chinn
Raymond
R
Parashar
Umesh
U
Anderson
Larry
L
Cardo
Denise
D
D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D004189:Disaster Planning; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006268:Health Facilities; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D010356:Patient Isolation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011634:Public Health; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States