TO: Ballad Health Leaders (Managers, Directors, AVP, VP, SVP, EVP)
FROM: Ballad Health Corporate Emergency Operations Center
DATE: April 1, 2020
TITLE: Daily COVID-19 briefing – April 1, 2020
ACTION: Please post and cascade to all team members. This is a review of the major activities that occurred today related to the COVID-19 response.
Ballad Health to deploy rapid testing for COVID-19
Starting this week, Ballad Health will be among the first healthcare systems in the nation to deploy rapid testing for COVID-19. Instead of test results for COVID-19 taking five to seven days, this new rapid molecular test, developed by diagnostics company Cepheid, will provide patients in the Appalachian Highlands with test results in five to seven hours. We have also invested additional dollars into increasing the capacity so that we will be able to process around 400 rapid tests per day within the next two to three weeks.
This rapid testing will help us preserve PPE and slow community spread. We will prioritize in-patients needing testing; then patients admitted through the Emergency Departments; then Ballad Health team members experiencing symptoms and exposed to COVID-19. Community members who suspect they may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can continue to utilize drive-thru testing centers.
This announcement does not impact patients who have already been tested for COVID-19. If you have already been tested, or if you have a patient awaiting tests, you do not need to be re-tested. Your results will be provided by Ballad Health or the local health department when they become available.
Techniques to manage COVID-19 stress and anxiety
During this time of fear and uncertainty, our first response is often to stress and worry — this is a natural response. Below, and in this link in PDF format, you will find some strategies and techniques to help you get through this challenging time.
- It is OK to not be OK: First, it is OK to state openly that you are scared. This is unchartered territory. When you begin to feel anxious, take a moment to re-focus.
- Let’s know the facts: Knowledge is empowering. Information helps combat unhealthy “what ifs,” and facts allow us to create a plan. Once we feel we can control even a small portion of our lives, it can start to put us at ease.
- Limit television and social media: The constant stream of information related to COVID-19 can cause us to start feeling more anxious and upset. Limit your exposure to the news/social media by setting a time limit per day to listen to the updates. This will give you additional time to process the thoughts you have and not feel as overwhelmed.
- Connect with others: Physical distancing and safer-at-home orders can create a feeling of isolation. 55% of communication is visual and body language. Use FaceTime and other electronic resources to connect with others. Reach out to others who might need support. Stay connected with family, friends and other members of your support structure.
- Be mindful: Be kind to yourself! Give yourself time during the day to be mindful of clearing your thoughts and feelings. Try a quick 7-8-7 breathing technique you can use anywhere: Count to seven while exhaling, inhale while counting to eight, then exhale while counting to seven again.
- Activity: Create structure and a schedule for yourself and your family. Focus on items you might have put off until you had more time. Examples include finishing that book you have been wanting to read, working in the yard, planting flowers, crocheting, catching up on house work or just sitting on the couch and catching episodes of your favorite shows. Also, just because you are home, it doesn’t mean you can’t exercise.
- Nutrition: Be aware of your eating habits, as they can impact your mood. Avoid excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol and unhealthy foods. Stay hydrated. Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Talking to your child: Be honest. Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions. Use words and concepts children can understand. Be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times. Children learn from watching their parents and teachers, so how you respond will impact how they respond.
Please remember to be kind, be patient and show some grace to those around you. We are all in this together.
Increase of phishing emails
We have seen an increase of phishing emails coming into the system. Please remember to think before you click. There are common clues that can help you identify a phishing attack as soon as it hits your inbox. If you suspect you’ve received a phishing email in your Ballad Health Outlook inbox, you can report it by using the “Phish Alert” button at the top right when you’re in the email. Click on the button and follow the instructions.
If you do not have the “Phish Alert” button, immediately log a Service Request in ServiceNow to report the suspected phishing email.
Additional points to note
- Please see this information on Bedside Shift Report for Isolation Patients. The process and proposed verbiage have been reviewed and approved by the CNOs across the system. With the isolation felt by all patients in the facilities, it is critical that we respond in a way that we communicate with patients in an organized manner.
- Effective today, the addition of domestic travel questions is live in Epic and Soarian clinical electronic health records.
- Epic Surgical Services changes to improve tracking and rescheduling of cancelled/removed non-emergent cases will go into effect April 2. These changes include: New case cancellation/removal reason – “Other: Public Health Emergency”; update to keep removed cases in the Needs Rescheduled depot from cancellation for 90 days; Depot quick filter to filter out cases removed due to COVID-19; additional report to quickly identify cancelled/removed cases; additional COVID-19 i-Care report for anesthesia. Information on these changes will be provided to you.
- If team members would like to change clothes before and after their shifts, they are welcome to do so; however, please follow proper laundering instructions for personal scrubs.
- The Safer at Home orders from local governments remain the best option we have to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Please stay mindful and attentive to these policies and remain home, unless it’s for essential travel. The “Work-Related Travel by Ballad Health Team Member” release is now available for electronic download.
- All COVID-19 updates and information will continue to be shared to balladhealth.org/COVID19.
Total positive COVID-19 case count:
Tennessee – 2,683 total; 66 in Appalachian Highlands (per health department data)
- Carter – 1
- Cocke – 1
- Greene – 15
- Hamblen – 3
- Hawkins – 5
- Johnson – 2
- Sullivan – 17
- Unicoi – 1
- Washington – 21
Virginia – 1,484; nine in Appalachian Highlands (per health department data)
- City of Bristol – 1
- Lee County – 2
- Smyth County – 2
- Tazewell County – 2
- Washington County – 2
- Wythe County – 2
In case you missed it, follow the links below to learn more…
