Asante activates crisis standards of care
The move allows the organization to optimize resources.
Much like during the pandemic, Asante is experiencing an extreme surge in patient volume, mostly due to the rapid rise of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 cases.
In response to this surge and the significant strain it’s having on staffing resources and capacity, Asante has activated crisis standards of care at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford and Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass.
According to new guidance from Oregon Health Authority, crisis standards of care may be activated when patient care resources are severely limited; the number of patients presenting for care exceeds capacity; and there is no option to transfer patients to other acute or critical care facilities.
“Declaring crisis standards of care gives Asante the flexibility to adjust staffing plans systemwide,” said Amanda Kotler, RN, Asante chief nursing officer. “For example, it allows us to alter patient assignments based on available resources. We will continue to care for patients in the location that best meets their needs, meaning some patients may be transferred within our health system.”
The high volume of patients requiring emergency services right now means many people will likely experience long wait times in local emergency departments. “It remains critical that people do not delay care if they’re experiencing a medical emergency,” said Staci Sparks, RN, Asante vice president of Nursing. “Except when emergency care is needed, it’s recommended people call their primary care providers first with their health concerns before accessing care through an emergency department. Urgent care and immediate care centers also may be an option for health needs that don’t warrant emergency services.”
To help address staffing needs, Asante is receiving state-funded contract nurses through Gov. Brown’s executive order extending the state of emergency. “We appreciate the governor’s continued support during this tripledemic,” Kotler said.
Asante is not the first health system in the region to take this step. Portland-area health systems earlier activated crisis standards of care, including OHSU, Legacy Health, Kaiser Permanente and Providence Health & Services.
Asante is working collaboratively with health systems in our region, with county public health officials and OHA to discuss resource options, capacity challenges, and possible testing sites for respiratory illnesses. “We believe a mobile testing site for flu, RSV and COVID would alleviate some strain by redirecting people from the emergency department for illness testing, which is one of the most common reasons for visits,” Sparks said.
