Preparing a Teaching Hospital and University Campus for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: To outline the preparation conducted by King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University hospital, And princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman university to deal with COVID-19 pandemic. This experience may assist other healthcare facilities (especially academic hospitals) in pandemic-related disaster planning and management. Methods: A descriptive study outlining the process of disaster preparedness and functional implication of this preparedness for a university campus and its related academic hospital to cope with the merging COVID-19 pandemic for the period from February 2020-October 2020. Results: The implemented measures in both the university and hospital helped in decreasing the rate of COVID-19 cross-infections between healthcare workers, admitted patients and university personnel. Resources were evenly distributed, and clear line of management, reporting and communication was established between the hospital and university. Conclusion : Integration between all stake holders in academic hospital and university leadership is the corner stone in pandemic and disaster management.