Asymptomatic Testing, Universal Masking and Flu Shot Reminder

After careful analysis and input from subject matter experts, Inova’s ambulatory/outpatient locations will transition from using nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs to nasal swabs for COVID-19 PCR testing to improve our patients’ experience with COVID-19 testing.
Inova’s Testing Steering Committee and Clinical Enterprise Triad approved this patient-centered approach because nasal swabs cause much less discomfort than NP swabs and may help alleviate patient fears that lead to test avoidance.
While nasal swabs are less sensitive in detecting COVID-19, their use is associated with only a one percent or less increase in false negatives per 1,000 patients tested.
As with any test, patients should be counseled about false-negative tests regardless of the collection method. Additionally, symptomatic patients should be reminded to self-isolate until the test results are returned, and to always wear a face mask, maintain a social distance and practice good hand hygiene in public.
Note – the nasal swab change does not affect patient testing in our hospital settings.

Inova’s COVID-19 Testing Prioritization Committee has evaluated requests for additional testing across the system and will include COVID-19 testing for patients who are asymptomatic yet require testing for various reasons, e.g., after exposure to a COVID-19 patient, for travel, return-to-school/work, etc.
Providers should evaluate the need for testing for each patient before placing the order.
To reduce the incidence of a false negative test, asymptomatic patients should wait for 5 to 7 days after an exposure to get tested.
These changes will be reflected in the ambulatory COVID-19 Testing Orders, which will go live on Monday, Oct. 19.

Starting today, Thursday, Oct. 15, the Admission Order will ask providers to indicate whether telemetry is needed and, if so, for what hospital scenario. Clinical decision support will guide providers in selecting the proper scenario. The order will also allow providers to notate “Ventilator Patient” to indicate a special need. These changes will ensure we provide the right patients with the right care in the right location. A tip sheet, “ADT Telemetry,” and accompanying reference guide, “ADT Level of Care,” are available at InovaNet / Education / EpicCare / EpicCare Training Tip Sheets – under Inpatient Providers or Emergency Department.

*VIEW THE ADT RESOURCES >>

Masking is a visible, selfless way to show we care about the health of Our People and Our Patients and to ensure everyone is Safe@Inova. Inova’s universal masking guidance requires all healthcare workers and visitors to wear a face mask at all times while they are inside our healthcare facilities, including in patient rooms, break rooms, waiting rooms, hallways and other spaces where they might encounter others.

Team members working onsite at administrative offices must always wear a face covering, unless working in a private office or workspace. Team members at administrative offices may wear their own cloth face covering, but disposable masks will be made available for those who do not have their own mask.

It is important to remember:

The potential for exposure to COVID-19 is not limited to direct patient care. Transmission can also occur through unprotected exposures to asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic team members or visitors.
Masks may be removed for eating and drinking, or when social distancing of at least six feet is possible. If not wearing a mask, physical distancing must be maintained in non-patient care areas, including family meeting areas, conference rooms and break rooms.
Hand hygiene is essential to maintaining team member safety, even if wearing masks. If face covering is touched, adjusted or removed, hand hygiene should be performed.

In case you missed it, please watch my "Message Behind Your Mask" video for a refresher on the importance of universal masking.

WATCH THE 'MESSAGE BEHIND YOUR MASK' >>

Nonverbal communications with patients is extremely important, as facial expressions can show compassion and provide comfort. Wearing a mask hides our faces and can make it difficult to communicate with our patients and team members. That difficulty could also increase the risk of patient harm. The Harvard Business Review shares tips on how to build rapport and ensure effective communication while wearing a mask. The guidance aligns with our foremost priority to ensure our patients and our people are Safe@Inova.

READ THE HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW ARTICLE >>

All eye protection (goggles or face shields) worn in the clinical setting needs to be OSHA compliant with side protection to prevent splashes.
All eye protection needs to be cleaned per protocol with a hospital-approved disinfectant – this will eventually cause all plastics to degrade or become foggy.
Goggles: To be effective, goggles must fit snugly, particularly from the corners of the eye across the brow.
Face shields: To provide better face and eye protection from splashes and sprays, a face shield should have crown and chin protection and wrap around the face to the point of the ear, which reduces the likelihood that a splash could go around the edge of the shield and reach the eyes.

I hope you’ll join me in celebrating our 19,000-strong Inova Heroes at this year’s virtual 2020 Inova Honors: In This Together on Friday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. With event chairs Alex and Liz Smith of the Washington Football Team and guest appearances by Ryan and Heather Zimmerman and Trea and Kristen Turner of the Washington Nationals – the evening promises to be memorable.

Buy Your Tickets: I am inviting our leaders and physician partners to help celebrate our teams with a $1,000 contribution to Inova Honors. So many leaders have already answered the call for our 1,000 x $1,000 challenge! We need your help to reach our $1 million goal! See all your ticket and sponsorship opportunities here >>

Share Your Support: Keep the momentum going: Once you've purchased your tickets, visit the LinkedIn pages of Honors Dinner committee members Dr. Craig Cheifetz or Sage Bolte, type “I’m in!” and share the message.

GET YOUR 2020 INOVA HONORS TICKETS TODAY >>

Wellness Tip of the Day – Start your day with calm and positive intention. Upon waking, before you do anything else, spend five minutes peacefully transitioning into your day. Set intentions for your day and engage in a feel-good activity such as yoga, stretching or stepping outside. Build a morning ritual that allows you to start your days on your own term. Complete your morning mindfulness with a few deep, energizing breaths from your belly. – Inova Well

Team Member Wellness Tips

Running, deep breathing, meditation on meaningful verses – religious or otherwise
Cooking colorful dishes - it makes me feel like I’m taking care of myself.
Laughter - Comedy is really important right now.
Talking over how I feel with a family member, friend of loved one.

– Anonymous Team Member

Submit your wellness tips to MediaRelations@inova.org and use the Subject: My Wellness Tip.

Team Member Well-Being Resources – Inova cares about the well-being of all our team members. As a reminder, the Team Member Well-Being resource is frequently updated with videos, articles and activities to help you and yours manage stress, anxiety and communication.