Seoul Medical Center's Novel Infectious Disease Response Drill Simulation

From Initial Response to Transport and Isolation Ward Admission of Confirmed Cases... Establishing a Rapid Response System for Each Scenario

Even in the event of emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19, continuous training is conducted to protect the health and safety of citizens and visitors.

Seoul Medical Center (Director Lee Hyun-seok) conducted the '2023 Emerging Infectious Disease Response Drill' on the 24th to prepare systematic and effective response guidelines, ensure interdepartmental coordination, and establish a rapid response system in anticipation of emerging infectious disease outbreaks.

This drill was conducted under the scenario where a patient who had visited the Middle East, where MERS is prevalent, showed symptoms of fever and cough and visited the outpatient reception desk for respiratory department consultation at Seoul Medical Center.

Upon confirming the patient's information at the reception desk, the ITS (International Travel History Information System) verified travel history to the Middle East. The administrative staff informed the visitor that MERS infection was suspected, then isolated the visitor according to the emerging infectious disease response guidelines and reported the case to the Infection Control Office. The Infection Control Office transferred the suspected MERS patient to the regional emergency medical center isolation ward and activated the emergency response committee to prevent further spread of the infection. They requested cooperation from related departments to manage close contacts, control access, disinfect contaminated areas, report to the public health center, and assist with epidemiological investigations.

Medical staff at the regional emergency medical center, wearing Level D protective suits, received the suspected MERS patient, guided them to the isolation ward, and conducted tests. Subsequently, the patient who tested positive for MERS was admitted to the nationally designated inpatient treatment bed within Seoul Medical Center, with the scenario carried out as if it were an actual event.

The drill involved about 30 staff members from related departments including executives such as Director Lee Hyun-seok and Deputy Director Kim Seok-yeon, as well as the medical, nursing, general affairs, and administrative departments. Each department performed their duties according to the scenario and confirmed their roles. Immediately after the drill, an evaluation meeting was held to review shortcomings identified during the exercise and to improve the response system.

Choi Jae-pil, head of the Infection Control Office and organizer of the drill, stated, “This drill was conducted to create an environment where infectious disease patients, general patients, and staff can all receive medical care with peace of mind during an emerging infectious disease outbreak.”

Lee Hyun-seok, director of Seoul Medical Center, said, “Having confirmed our response capabilities through COVID-19, Seoul Medical Center prepared this drill to strengthen our capacity and will do our best to protect citizens' health even during future infectious disease crises that may arise at any time.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.