A high-efficiency hospital emergency-response mode is key to successful treatment of COVID-19 patients in Zhuhai

Abstract Background: In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in Wuhan and has since rapidly spread throughout China. The mortality rates of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) in severe and critical cases are very high. In this public-health emergency, a high-efficiency administrative emergency-response mode in designated hospitals is needed. Method: As an affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, ours, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, is the only one designated for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in Zhuhai, a mid-sized city. The NCP department, for which the president of the hospital is also the direct administrative lead, was established at an early stage of the epidemic at our hospital. This department includes core members of the pulmonary and critical-care medicine (PCCM) specialist and multidisciplinary team. Rather than adhering to national guidelines on NCP, we have focused on individualized treatment, timely adjustment thereof and management strategies in working with COVID-19 patients based on the professional opinions of a professor of respiratory medicine and an expert group. Results: (1) High working efficiency: As of March 2, 2020, we have completed 2974 citywide consultations and treatment of 366 inpatients, including 101 who were diagnosed with COVID-19. (2) Excellent therapeutic effect: Of the 101 patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19, only 1 has died, and the rest were all cured and discharged. No secondary hospital infection, pipeline infection or pressure sores were found in any patient. (3) Finding and confirming person-to-person transmission characteristic of COVID-19 prior to the official press conference: Strengthened protection is key to zero infection among the healthcare providers and medical faculty, as well as to a lower rate of second-generation infectious patients. (4) Timely adjustment of management and treatment strategy prior to guideline updates: The first evidence of digestive-tract involvement in COVID-19 has been found, and the earliest clinical trial of chloroquine in the treatment of the disease was carried out at our hospital. Conclusions: At our hospital, establishment of an NCP department, which is directly administered by the hospital president and specialized operation guided by a professor of respiratory medicine, has been key to our success in managing and treating COVID-19 patients. Our hospital’s emergency-response mode could provide a reference for other hospitals and cities in this epidemic situation.