June 22, 2020

Western Washington State COVID-19 Experience: Keys to Flattening the Curve and Effective Health System Response

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Public Health Policy and Practice

• The Western WA COVID-19 Expert Panel seeks to identify factors contributing to the effective health system disaster response in western Washington State. Six key themes were identified: (1) Early communication and coordination among stakeholders; (2) Regional coordination of the healthcare system response; (3) Rapid development and access to viral testing; (4) Proactive management of long-term care & skilled nursing facilities; (5) Proactive management of vulnerable populations; (6) Effective physical distancing in the community. Eleven recommendations were provided to support the healthcare system disaster response in managing future outbreaks. 

Mitchell et al. (June 8, 2020). Western Washington State COVID-19 Experience: Keys to Flattening the Curve and Effective Health System Response. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.06.006