This QI project seeks to evaluate the relative test sample acquisition throughput, personal protective equipment utilization, and relative operational costs of provider-administered COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) nasal samples with and with the use of HEPA-filtered, positive pressure isolation booths.
Beginning in March 2020, the MGH began outpatient testing for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizing a provider-administered nasal swab samples. This was administered with infection control protocols utilizing full PPE protection for health providers who would don and doff gowns and gloves with each sample acquisition. With an aim to decrease PPE usage and increase efficiency, personal protective booths with HEPA-filtered air called "Hexapods" were employed, after infection control approval, within the MGH system beginning on April 16, 2020. Ambulatory Care Management at MGH systematically monitors testing completed and PPE usage on a weekly basis. Managers in charge of personnel changes shared necessary team structures and median salaries for different personnel involved with sample acquisition. MGH Materials management were able to report on costs related to consumable supplies used during testing. In this investigation, this routinely collected data and averaged timed sample collection observations were used to compare before and after the Hexapod utilization.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
28,948
Health personnel who utilize the Hexapod will remain in the booth and utilize durable gloves attached to ports through a plexiglass wall in order to administer a nasal swab for SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing. Patient escorts and housekeeping/sanitation staff perform additional tasks outside of the booth such as escorting the patient to the correct testing bay and dropping off testing vials and printed information, collect samples and deposit in the appropriate location after testing is complete, and sanitizing the patient bay before a subsequent patient is tested there.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Change in Testing Throughput After Hexapod Implementation
Samples acquired per hour using the Hexapod booth will be assessed as an average over a minimum of 12 weeks of testing compared to baseline throughput before April 16th.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
Change in Isolation Gowns Utilized After Hexapod Utilization
Gowns utilized per test will be assessed as an average over a minimum of 12 weeks of testing compared to baseline throughput before April 16th.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
Change in Cost per Test After Hexapod Implementation
The difference in costs of collecting test samples before and after hexapod utilization will be calculated.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
Return on Investment
The retail cost of the Hexapod booth will be divided by the average daily cost differential for testing observed and at maximum volume.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
Change in Testing Personnel Cost Per Test
The difference in median shift salaries before and after Hexapod implementation will be calculated.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
Change in Cost of Isolation Gowns Utilized
Outcome 2 will be utilized to calculate the range of the change in cost of isolation gowns utilized compared to baseline usage for samples acquired before April 16th utilizing actual and quoted costs of gowns to Materials Management at MGH.
Time frame: Up to 22 weeks
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