Guidance for COVID-19 Patient Transport
It is critical that we all take concrete steps to preserve our facilities both as safe workspaces and safe environments for healing. Limiting patient transport to essential needs and taking extra precautionary measures will help us maximize safety and protect those in our care. We've issued guidance outlining precautionary steps that both clinical providers and transport teams should take as movement occurs across our hospitals. This policy provides instructions for before, during, and after transport, and recommends that patient movement be limited to procedures and studies deemed essential for clinical diagnosis and decision making.
It is important that all health care staff who are moving and transporting patients suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 review this policy, as well as those who are receiving these patients for testing and procedures in their clinical areas. Questions and concerns should be directed to managers and supervisors as necessary.
This guidance was updated on February 1, 2022, to remove the requirement that an additional person be designated to navigate the route as a patient is transported and to clarify that both members of the clinical team and members of the transport team are permitted to transport patients depending on clinical needs and facility protocols.
Thank you for your commitment to teamwork and collaboration as we continue to manage patient care efficiently and with safety positioned at the top of our priority list, during these truly unprecedented times.
Click here to view the Guidance for COVID-19 Patient Transport.
FAQs
Does this apply only to transport of PUI or confirmed COVID-19 patients?
Yes, this guidance is specifically designed to help health care workers safely move COVID-19 suspected or confirmed patients.
What needs to happen before patient transport occurs?
Health care workers responsible for transport should provide advance notice to the department that will be receiving the patient. After thorough hand washing, the transporter should dress in appropriate PPE, including new gloves and gown. Patients should be given a mask and changed into a fresh gown, if possible, prior to transport.
Which team members are allowed to transport patients?
Patients should be transported by members of the clinical team or members of the transport team, depending on clinical needs and facility protocols.
What PPE should be used by transporters?
Health care workers responsible for transporting patients should, at a minimum, wear a respirator (elastomeric mask, N-95, or Clean Space Halo, if fit-tested, or Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)) and eye protection. Gown and gloves should be worn if indicated under Standard Precautions or per facility-specific policies.