Approximately 53,000 patients/year are admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Michigan and treatment typically involves social gatherings and group therapies (SAMHSA 2017; Michigan DHS 2019). Often psychiatric inpatients are in close proximity placing them at high risk of infection and have comorbid medical conditions that predispose them to severe COVID-19 consequences. In March 2020, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Grand Rapids, MI initiated protocols and precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 between patients and health care personnel (HCP) based on emerging CDC guidelines. Multiple strategies [COVID-19 testing, masking of patients and HCP, restricting visitors, and creation of Special Care Unit (SCU) with negative pressure] were effectively implemented and limited transmission of COVID-19 within Pine Rest. Admission to the SCU totaled 25 adults (three Pine Rest patients who tested positive during or after admission, and 22 COVID-19 positive patients who were transferred from other facilities). Average age of SCU inpatients was 38.5 ± 16.6 years with the majority being male. Average hospitalization was 9 ± 4 days. Among the 21 COVID-19 positive HCP, 15 [71%] provided direct clinical care on various units, zero provided care on the SCU, and six had roles with no direct patient care. Average age among COVID-19 positive HCP providing direct patient care[n = 15] was 29.5 ± 13.5 years, majority were female, and 3 [20%] were admitted to local medical hospital for treatment. This report demonstrates that quality behavioral health care can be safely provided at inpatient psychiatric facilities and serve as a guideline that other psychiatric facilities can follow to decrease transmission in future epidemics.
Prevalence and immediate outcome of candida colonized preterm neonates admitted to Special Care Unit of Mulago Hospital, Kampala Uganda
