Designing a biocontainment unit to care for patients with serious communicable diseases: A consensus statement

Philip W. Smith*, Arthur O. Anderson, George W. Christopher, Theodore J. Cieslak, G. J. Devreede, Glen A. Fosdick, Carl B. Greiner, John M. Hauser, Steven H. Hinrichs, Kermit D. Huebner, Peter C. Iwen, Dawn R. Jourdan, Mark G. Kortepeter, V. Paul Landon, Patricia A. Lenaghan, Robert E. Leopold, Leroy A. Marklund, James W. Martin, Sharon J. Medcalf, Robert J. MussackRandall H. Neal, Bruce S. Ribner, Jonathan Y. Richmond, Chuck Rogge, Gary A. Roselle, Mark E. Rupp, Anthony R. Sambol, Joann E. Schaefer, John Sibley, Andrew J. Streifel, Susanna G. Von Essen, Kelly L. Warfield

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

In spite of great advances in medicine, serious communicable diseases are a significant threat. Hospitals must be prepared to deal with patients who are infected with pathogens introduced by a bioterrorist act (e.g., smallpox), by a global emerging infectious disease (e.g., avian influenza, viral hemorrhagic fevers), or by a laboratory accident. One approach to hazardous infectious diseases in the hospital setting is a biocontainment patient care unit (BPCU). This article represents the consensus recommendations from a conference of civilian and military professionals involved in the various aspects of BPCUs. The role of these units in overall U.S. preparedness efforts is discussed. Technical issues, including medical care issues (e.g., diagnostic services, unit access); infection control issues (e.g., disinfection, personal protective equipment); facility design, structure, and construction features; and psychosocial and ethical issues, are summarized and addressed in detail in an appendix. The consensus recommendations are presented to standardize the planning, design, construction, and operation of BPCUs as one element of the U.S. preparedness effort.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)351-365
Number of pages15
JournalBiosecurity and bioterrorism : biodefense strategy, practice, and science
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Designing a biocontainment unit to care for patients with serious communicable diseases: A consensus statement'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this