Rapid establishment of a dedicated staff contact tracing team to reduce transmission and preserve workforce capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ms Lisa Dominguez1, Ms Jaimie Yamada1, Ms Monica Nguyen1, Ms Shirley Leong1, Ms Denise Del Rosario-Kelly1, Ms Pauline Bass1, Ms Sue McLellan1, A/Prof Leon Worth1
1Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
Background: With increased demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, a COVID contact tracing team (CTT) was established using redeployed staff to manage outbreaks at a large Australian tertiary healthcare service.
Method: The first wave of COVID-19 (March 2020) led to the establishment of a designated nurse-led CTT, supported by hospital Executive. The CTT was developed through redeployment of staff from hospital departments that experienced downturns in activity. A multidisciplinary team composition (medical, nursing, allied health and pharmacy) was sought in order for the needs of all staff groups and departments to be met. Responsibilities included: risk assessment of staff and patients in hospital and hotel settings, managing screening and isolation requirements and subsequent guidance regarding return to work for these populations.
Results: The CTT was operational 7-days/week, with surge capacity (dedicated workforce of 14 EFT, expanding to 18 EFT). To date, 104 contact traces have been completed, identifying and managing over 4000 staff (close and casual contacts). 9600 online self-assessment forms have been assessed and managed, whereby staff identify the presence of epidemiological risks (e.g. related to local, interstate and international high-risk exposure zones).
Conclusion: A successful nurse-led CTT was established leveraging multidisciplinary skills and providing a clinical workforce available at short notice. Rapid establishment of the CTT enabled time-critical responses to limit the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and patients and to reduce impact upon workforce and provision of clinical services.
Biography:
Lisa is an experienced Perioperative Care Coordinator and was seconded to the contact tracing team in March 2020. She is completing a Master of Public Health (Global Health and Advocacy) and is enjoying exploring the world of Infection Prevention. Outside of work she enjoys packing things onto her bike and exploring new places