Developing an Outpatient Pediatric Pre-Procedure COVID-19 Testing Model

Katherine O'Connor, Morgan McGee, Mary Gibson, Mary Jean Sullivan, Mary Pennelli, Sarah Alvis, Debra Lajoie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to design, develop, implement, and manage a sustainable process for pediatric preoperative COVD-19 testing and use the test results to determine the level of personal protective equipment and infection control required for each patient for optimal surgical scheduling and preservation of resources. Design: This quality improvement project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology. Multiple cycles of re-evaluation refined this process which was standardized across the enterprise. Methods: A process for preoperative testing for all patients undergoing procedures requiring anesthesia was developed and implemented. Findings: A safe, feasible, timely process was developed and piloted to obtain COVID-19 test results to guide individualized interventions. During the pilot, 1,707 patients were screened, and five tested positive for COVID-19, eliminating the need to manage 1702 patients as COVID-19 positive. Conclusion: To continue to safely re-open, knowledge of the patient's COVID-19 status is imperative to ensure a safe journey through the perioperative area.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)367-371
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Perianesthesia Nursing
Volume36
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • coronavirus
  • pediatric
  • peri-procedure
  • perioperative

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medical–Surgical

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Developing an Outpatient Pediatric Pre-Procedure COVID-19 Testing Model'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this