FAME’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, people the world over are facing all the same challenges right now, being forced to change behaviors that are so ingrained in our humanity. We are doing our best to help people understand that the implementation of strict guidelines is for the protection of our patients, their families and other visitors, and our staff, but there are many challenges in the enforcement of these policies in a way that is consistent with FAME’s philosophy. In Tanzania, these new protocols are all far removed from local customs, where an extended family presence plays an enormous role in patient outcomes, healing and a sense of well-being. Nonetheless, we believe that education and preparedness are critical in this crisis.  

CHANGES TO KEEP OUR PATIENTS AND STAFF SAFE

We’ve made adjustments to FAME’s systems and protocols to ensure the safety of our patients and our staff during this pandemic

• Established a FAME COVID-19 Task Force comprised of 11 key staff members

• Enhancing Risk Prevention, Assessment and Isolation:

  • Relocated outpatient vitals station

  • Developed a patient “COVID-19 Assessment” check list

  • Providing masks to patients requiring further assessment

  • Established an isolation unit with capacity for 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and an additional room to assess suspected cases

  • Created hand washing stations before entrance and upon exit at every building and wing on campus

  • Positioned a reception team member at the washing stations to ensure that patients and relatives accompanying them are in compliance

• Modifying Visitors Policies:

  • Limiting the number of visitors

  • Reducing visiting hours

  • Created additional screening stations around campus

  • Prohibiting entrance from any visitors with flu-like symptoms, fever or colds

  • Limiting patients in the Inpatient Hospital and the Maternity Center to visits by a single family member or relative per patient for the duration of their stay

  • Requiring visitors to provide proof of authorization for entrance and visitation time limitation

• Limiting Exposure:

  • Reducing the number of healthcare personnel involved in morning reporting and rounds

  • Restricting the movement of the designated Doctor in Charge for the week to provide care only within the Inpatient Hospital and the Maternity Center

  • Encouraging our most vulnerable patients to retrieve medication refills in an area removed from the outpatient department

  • Temporarily discontinued our medical volunteer program

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND EDUCATION

We’re taking responsibility to educate our community about COVID-19

• Created two educational videos on COVID-19 and infection prevention that play in the outpatient waiting area

• Conducting safety trainings and education for FAME’s 121 doctors, nurses, lab personnel and housekeeping staff, as well as government healthcare providers in our area

• Created an internal COVID-19 WhatsApp group for circulating educational materials and for coordinating our response

• Appointed our Head Doctor to serve as point person for the FAME team, keeping updated on the impact of the virus around the globe, as well as serving as FAME’s liaison with the government’s Ministry of Health infectious disease team

• Constantly evaluating medical, and social/cultural content for credible information to disseminate to patients, non-medical staff, relatives and others

• Sent representatives to the District and Regional Health Offices to attend meetings with representatives from the Ministry of Health and the Tanzanian CDC

EQUIPMENT

We’re challenged to be resourceful in an environment of limited resources

• Developed FAME protocols and guidelines (based on WHO and CDC recommendations) for PPE, decontamination, infection prevention, and education

• Reviewed inventory of PPE materials

• Inventoried and monitoring critical supplies

• Ordered additional essential medications and lab supplies to prepare for supply chain disruptions

• Strategically positioned PPE readiness packages and contamination checklists where they will be needed

• In the absence of PPE kits and/or exhaustion of current equipment supplies:

  • Enlisted a local tailor to make 400 fabric masks and caps

  • Purchased goggles and gum boots locally

  • Ordered cover gowns made from waterproof fabric for our healthcare providers and decontamination team