Respiratory Multidisciplinary Team Approach to COVID-19 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth

Title: Respiratory Multidisciplinary Team Approach to COVID-19 in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth
Author(s): R. Reilly
Institution: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth
Poster: Click to view poster
Category: COVID-19
Abstract: The first case of COVID-19 presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLOLH) on 11th March 2020. The 31 bedded Respiratory Ward was designated as the COVID-19 ward receiving patients who were deemed suitable for escalation to ICU.
In total 89 patients (from March to July) who were COVID-19 swab positive or CT positive were treated on the Respiratory Ward. Of these 29% (n26) required CPAP, 7.8%(n7) were treated with Optiflow and 4.49%(n4) BiPAP. Fourteen percent (n13) required ICU and there were 5 deaths (n5.6%).
The Multidisciplinary Respiratory Team merged to manage this caseload including working outside of traditional roles. The team was led by 2 Respiratory Consultants and 1 Infectious Disease Consultant. In addition to a clinical work load one respiratory consultant worked with the senior management team and the other respiratory consultant worked with ICU consultants to lead the Critical Care Response. There were daily morning handovers with the CNM2 to the team which included Consultants, NCHDs, ANPs, CNS, CNM3 and Allied Health professionals. In addition, the physiologist and CNS set up and managed an equipment room in which the NIV/Optiflow/Aerogen equipment was centrally ordered, stored, logged and delivered to requesting wards with details for setup. Remote Monitoring and Virtual Pulmonary rehabilitation was managed by the COPD Outreach physiotherapist and CNS.