Page 11 - February 2020 Ulupono

Here’s what you need to know about Coronavirus
By Chloe Hamilton, RN, Infection Control
What is it?
A newly identified respiratory virus that causes pneumonia was recently discovered in China. The first identified case reported by CDC officials on Jan. 21: a male in his 30s who traveled from Wuhan.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that most often cause mild-to-moderate upper respiratory tract illnesses including the common cold, but they can also lead
to severe diseases. Typically, coronavirus infections manifest as the common cold. The new virus is called 2019-nCoV.
What are common symptoms?
Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, body
aches, sore throat or vomiting and diarrhea. Severe cases involve pneumonia, kidney failure and even death.
How is it spread and how can you protect yourself?
The new coronavirus's incubation period is still unknown. Public health experts are working under the assumption that the incubation period is about 14 days.
For health care workers in contact with coronavirus patients, the CDC recommends a N95 mask. One of the simplest prevention measures a person can take is proper hand- washing
What to do if you suspect infection
Consult your health care provider as soon as possible if you are worried about symptoms or have travelled to a region where severe coronaviruses are known to occur.
If you have mild cold-like symptoms, health officials encourage you to stay home while sick and avoid close contact to help protect others. Cover your mouth and nose with
a tissue when you cough or sneeze and be sure to throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
The W-H-Y behind R.A.D.A.R.
By Alicia Hatori, Risk Coordinator
Incident reporting is one vital way that we can personally impact the safety of our patients, families, visitors and co-workers. In the course of our everyday work we carry out processes and procedures, make use of technology and equipment and interact with all types of individuals. Whether it is a breakdown, deviation, near miss, or a good catch, your timely reporting allows us to track and trend incidences and provides internal transparency so that we can pinpoint opportunities for process improvement.
What should you document: The who, what, where and when (facts only!)
How should you document: In RADAR, clearly and concisely, using quotes when necessary
You! You are the best person to report what happens, when it happens, every time.
Adventist Health Castle puts patient safety first and foremost in everything that we do, that’s why it is critical that we all utilize our incident reporting system (RADAR) to document any safety events.
FEBRUARY 2020 - ULUPONO
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