3.1 Establishing a triage area in the fever clinic for
tumor patients Our hospitals has effectively separated tumor patients
with suspected NCP from tumor patients with fever of unknown origin,
promoted the use of masks by anyone visiting the hospital and enhanced
community respiratory protection awareness through WeChat, official
accounts, official websites and other online media.
3.2 Implementing the three-level triage system in the
emergency department and clinics
First-level triage : The clinics and emergency department were
in charge of triage, which was completely separated from the general
counseling station. The essential materials (surgical masks, handheld
thermometers, hand sanitizer, etc.) were prepared at the triage sites,
and the basic information for the triaged patients (basic information,
epidemiological history) was recorded. The epidemiological history, such
as the travel history to the epidemic areas or close contact with
patients with suspected NCP, was inquired, and the body temperature was
measured. Once patients with fever or patients with an epidemiological
history were identified, patients and any accompanying persons were
immediately given and guided to wear surgical masks. The patient was
transferred to the fever clinic by the triage nurse.
Second-level triage : When treating patients, the medical
personnel in each diagnostic area of the clinics re-checked the patients
and their families regarding their epidemiological history, such as
travel history to epidemic areas or close contact with patients with
suspected NCP, and recorded vital signs, such as body temperature,
pulse, respiration, etc.
Third-level triage : The clinic and emergency physicians asked
patients detailed questions regarding fever and cough and obtained
further epidemiological history information and asked the patients to
sign the ”Integrity Commitment regarding the Epidemiological History
with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia”.
3.3 Actively control the frequency of patient visits
and reduce population aggregation and population flow The risks and
recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with head
and neck tumors during the prevention and control of the NCP epidemic
were announced through multiple channels, such as the hospital’s
official account and official website and various WeChat groups for
continuing nursing care. An appointment system was implemented to limit
outpatient numbers and reduce outpatient visits. Additionally, online
specialist consultations were set up, and an online platform was used to
establish an integrative medical and healthcare team for online
consultation.