Use of a Unique Mobile Medical Asset in COVID Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent surge of patients presented to emergency departments has forever changed the paradigm of delivering emergency care. The highly infectious nature of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, mandated strict environmental changes, novel patient care, and flexible strategies to continue to deliver efficient emergency care while maintaining appropriate physical distancing between suspect and non-suspect COVID-19 patients. The engagement of a unique rapidly deployable Mobile Satellite Emergency Department (MSED) with scalable capability from prompt care to resuscitation level allowed the emergency care team to optimize patient care and throughput. The MSED was strategically located adjacent to the ambulance entrance. While initially deployed to increase Emergency Department surge capacity, the MSED was repurposed to cohort and treat COVID patients with the monoclonal antibody, Bamlanivimab, who were expected to be discharged after treatment. This allowed for more efficient use of Emergency Department resources, including physical space and staffing.

Expanding the scope and visibility of ambulatory stewardship programs with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) therapeutics

“…32 Other centers have utilized mobile infusion vans or home infusion programs to expand access. 33,34 It has also been extremely beneficial to establish a patient and provider referral system directly to the infusion staff so that patients are connected to care in real time.…”

Clinician Perspectives on Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for High-Risk Outpatients with COVID-19: Implications for Implementation and Equitable Access

“…A primary focus has been on setting up infusion centers with the potential for direct outreach to patients testing positive for COVID-19. 22 – 24 Others described mAb administration systems and processes for skilled nursing facilities, 25 , 26 mobile satellite emergency departments, 27 and pharmacist outreach. 28 Beyond brief mention of the need to familiarize outpatient clinicians with how to access infusions, 22 there has been little discussion of clinician perspectives on mAb referral systems and processes.…”