Statewide Real-Time Tracking of Beds and Ventilators During Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Beyond

Abstract

This brief report describes the rapid deployment of a realtime electronic tracking board for all hospitals in the state of Oregon. In preparation for the coronavirus disease 2019 surge on hospital resources, and in collaboration across health systems, with health authorities and an industry partner, we combined existing infrastructures to create the first automated tracking board for our entire state, including bed types by health system and geographic area, and with granularity to the individual unit level for each participating hospital. At the time of submission, we have a live snapshot of 87% of beds in the state, including real-time ventilator data across eight health systems. The tracking board allows for rapid assessment of available bed and ventilator resources and pulls electronic health record data that is created through normal care processes rather than relying upon manual entry. It is updated every 5 minutes and is drillable from state to unit level. Together these factors make the data actionable, which is essential in a crisis. The new tracking system integrates seamlessly with our preexisting statewide, manually updated tracking board via bidirectional data sharing to ensure existing processes across the state can continue. This new tool allows any health system in our state to visualize occupancy by type and location in real time. Amid pandemic uncertainty, having a reliable tool for tracking critical hospital resources will enhance our statewide ability to maintain healthcare functionality in a world with coronavirus disease 2019.

COVID-19 and telehealth in the intensive care unit setting: a survey

“…In one of the more heartbreaking aspects of the pandemic, patients have unfortunately been left to die alone given the restrictions in place [ 13 , 14 ], and non-COVID-19 inpatients also have suffered from lack of communication with their families given hospital visitor restrictions [ 16 ]. To our knowledge a US-wide evaluation on use of telemedicine in the ICU setting during the pandemic had not been conducted prior to our study but is crucial given a differential distribution of critical care resources such as beds and personnel across the US [ 17 – 19 ].…”

Patterns in the Pandemic: Disproportionate Patient Burdens Among Regional Hospitals

“…However, several models, including Oregon’s state-wide Hospital Capacity System and New York’s Health Emergency Response Data System, have demonstrated the usefulness of centralized data collection and sharing, and may provide blueprints going forward. 31 , 32 These models provide regional governments with comprehensive and rapid situational awareness, allowing for quick deployment of resources and redistribution of patient loads as necessary. Furthermore, they establish the centralized collection and sharing of pandemic-specific information ( Table 7 ) in an accurate, real-time, and incentivized (if not mandated) manner.…”

Mass Critical Care Surge Response During COVID-19

“…[62][63][64] Several states rapidly developed pandemic placement centers to transfer patients to any available ICU bed, optimizing statewide access and preventing hospitals from reaching crisis conditions. [47][48][49]65 The operational…”

“…Technology from cell phones and paper intake forms should transition to secure electronic forms and telephone platforms. Oregon, 65 Arizona, 48 and Minnesota 47 use tools including electronic bed boards to report bed availability and calls requesting transfers. The most important success element was frequently updated electronic bed capacity data (even when hand-entered), although collaboration and teamwork among call center, state, and health-care organizations is as important.…”

“…The most important success element was frequently updated electronic bed capacity data (even when hand-entered), although collaboration and teamwork among call center, state, and health-care organizations is as important. 47,48,65 Communications During Surge Suggestion 9: We re-emphasize that designated clinicians who are actively engaged in clinical work (especially intensivists and hospitalists) actively participate in hospital incident command structure; this group should provide updates to clinical staff for improving situational awareness, ensuring bidirectional communication.…”