Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

College/School

College of Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Project Mentor

Diane Fuller-Switzer

Readers

Diane Braxmeyer

Abstract

Introduction: High-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) such as Ebola virus disease (EVD) and other viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) require interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration, communication, and adherence to protocols in order to safely transport patients between agencies. Despite national preparedness efforts, standardized transport protocols for HCID patients remain limited and inconsistently applied nationally. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to develop and assess evidence-based interfacility transport protocols for a regional Biological Isolation Care Unit (BICU) using a multidisciplinary, simulation-based learning activity.

Methods: A quantitative semi-structured survey was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of newly developed HCID interdisciplinary transport protocols utilized in a simulation-based learning activity. The protocols were designed using evidence-based literature, input from institutional stakeholders, and guidance from the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC). Participants included registered nurses (RNs), emergency medical services (EMS) providers, infection prevention (IP) specialists, and environmental services (EVS) personnel. A structured post-simulation survey assessed adherence to infection control practices, communication effectiveness, the use of checklists, and interagency coordination.

Results: Sixteen participants completed the survey. All respondents (100%) reported adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols. Planning checklists were used by 57% of respondents. Among those who were expected to receive transport activation notifications, only 54% reported being informed in a timely manner. SBAR communication was used by 88% of participants; however, only 13% considered its use effective.

Discussion: Findings indicate substantial compliance with PPE procedures but reveal persistent deficiencies in communication, consistency, and checklist integration. These gaps emphasize the necessity for ongoing simulation-based training and standardized communication practices to enhance system readiness and personnel safety.

Conclusion: Emergency nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safe transport of HCID patients by utilizing structured tools and promoting interprofessional collaboration. This project emphasizes the importance of scheduled simulation-based learning exercises in identifying knowledge gaps and providing education that addresses these gaps, thereby enhancing performance in subsequent SBL exercises.

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