Newly Opened Respiratory Isolation Unit

Starting the week of March 16, UCSF Health began cohorting COVID-19+ patients onto the newly opened Respiratory Isolation Unit on 15L, which was retrofitted with negative pressure rooms. Providers working on the unit badge into 15L at the beginning of the shift, and spend the entire shift working from the unit. There are several advantages to cohorting patients on the unit, including developing an interprofessional team with expertise in the management of the clinical and psychosocial impacts of COVID-19; optimizing collaboration and communication practices; establishing innovative care models; and conserving PPE. Armond Esmaili was appointed as medical director for the unit.