The expert panel report to Texas health resources leadership on the 2014 ebola events

Abstract

This report is the work of an Expert Panel convened by Texas Health Resources (THR) Chief Executive Officer Barclay Berdan, with the authorization and support of the THR and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas (THD) Board of Trustees, following the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) events of 2014. Under the leadership of Dr. Denis Cortese, the Expert Panel—including Patricia Abbott RN PhD, Mark Chassin, MD, Marshall Lyon MD, andWayne Riley MD—were charged with reviewing the fact pattern associated with events surrounding the care and ultimate death of Mr. Thomas Eric Duncan from EVD and the transmission of the virus to two nurses. This report outlines recommendations to the Board and to THR and Texas Health Presbyterian Dallas (THD) leadership for improving the hospital’s and health system’s performance and preparation for similar unforeseen, novel and rare but significant future events.While specifically directed toward the future operations of THD and Texas Health Resources, these recommendations also present an opportunity for other hospitals and health systems to review and learn so that they also may prepare for unanticipated and potentially catastrophic events. It is critically important that healthcare providers with the primary role of caring for patients work as a cohesive team. It is equally important that hospitals and health systems understand clearly how to plan and work with local, state, and federal government agencies as well as public health partners at all levels to ensure that each health facility across the U.S. healthcare system is prepared for novel events such as the nation experienced last fall when the first Ebola patient was diagnosed in the United States.