Implementing a negative-pressure isolation ward for a surge in airborne infectious patients.
BACKGROUND
During a large-scale airborne infectious disease outbreak, the number of patients needing hospital-based health care services may exceed available negative-pressure isolation room capacity.


METHODS
To test one method of increasing hospital surge capacity, a temporary negative-pressure isolation ward was established at a fully functioning hospital. Negative pressure was achieved in a 30-bed hospital ward by adjusting the ventilation system. Differential pressure was continuously measured at 22 locations, and ventilation airflow was characterized throughout the ward.


RESULTS
The pressure on the test ward relative to the main hospital hallway was -29 Pa on average, approximately 10 times higher than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance for airborne infection control. No occurrences of pressure reversal occurred at the entrances to the ward, even when staff entered the ward. Pressures within the ward changed, with some rooms becoming neutrally or slightly positively pressurized.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that establishing a temporary negative-pressure isolation ward is an effective method to increase surge capacity in a hospital.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL. Electronic address: shelly.miller@colorado.edu.
Shelly L
SL
Miller
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL.
Nicholas
N
Clements
US Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA.
Steven A
SA
Elliott
National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL.
Shobha S
SS
Subhash
National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL.
Aaron
A
Eagan
National Center for Occupational Health and Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Veterans Health Administration, Gainesville, FL.
Lewis J
LJ
Radonovich
D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000635:transmission*; D058868:Compressed Air; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D010356:Patient Isolation / Q000379:methods*; D014691:Ventilation / Q000379:methods*
Airborne infection isolation room; Biodefense; Bioterrorism; Pandemic preparedness; Respiratory infection control; Surge capacity