Emergency Nurses Association contributes to new guidelines for triaging potential Ebola patients
New CDC algorithm reflects lessons learned from U.S. hospitals caring for Ebola patients
(October 27, 2014) – In a collaborative effort to provide more explicit direction regarding triaging potential Ebola patients in the emergency department, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) today announced the availability of a new resource from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The new “Identify, Isolate, Inform: Emergency Department Evaluation and Management for Patients Who Present with Possible Ebola Virus Disease” algorithm was developed by an American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) expert panel in which ENA participated, and reflects lessons learned from U.S. hospitals that have cared for Ebola patients.
The new triage procedures provide additional guidance on how to assess exposure history; determine presence of signs or symptoms compatible with Ebola; isolate a potentially infected patient; communicate the exposure history regardless of symptoms to the appropriate parties; and obtain additional history and perform a physical examination and routine diagnostics.
“As front line providers of care, we are committed to working with the CDC and ACEP to develop comprehensive, clear guidelines to assist our more than 40,000 members and all emergency healthcare providers as they stand ready to care for patients with Ebola,” said ENA president Deena Brecher, MSN, RN, APN, ACNS-BC, CEN, CPEN. “The collaborative nature of this task force allowed us to quickly develop resources that can be immediately implemented in the emergency department as we continue to advocate for safe practice and care.”
These triage procedures complement the CDC’s recent guidance on the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used when caring for patients with Ebola, and the processes for putting on and removing PPE: Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment To Be Used by Healthcare Workers During Management of Patients with Ebola Virus Disease in U.S. Hospitals, Including Procedures for Putting On (Donning) and Removing (Doffing).
These new resources have been added to ENA’s Ebola News and Resources page, a compilation of the most current Ebola information from organizations such as the World Health Organization and the CDC.
Media Contact:
Marie Grimaldi
Communications & PR Manager, ENA
847.460.4080
mgrimaldi@ena.org
About the Emergency Nurses Association
The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With more than 40,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency healthcare public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness, and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
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