Physician-in-Chief's Message
April 22, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
We did have an increase in the number of COVID+ patients in house today. However, the current UNC model is much more optimistic compared to previous models. Physical distancing appears to be making a big difference. 

Furthermore, we continue to see an increase in telehealth visits, but we understand that there are a number of issues especially with connectivity. Our virtual care team is working on plans for an alternative platform due to these issues. We are also increasing staff support in the clinics.
UNC COVID Updates
Inpatient Care
  • There are 22 COVID+ patients in house today: 13 in the MICU, 8 on 6BT, & 1 in the PICU.
  • Universal Screening approved for laboring obstetric patients: We have approval for doing rapid testing on all patients being admitted to 4WH, 3WH, 5WH. Most of those patients come through L&D.
  • Our one COVID+ patient is being discharged today. Thanks to all the staff that worked to make this possible. Additionally, to those who sang him happy birthday yesterday, his mother expresses her heartfelt gratitude!
Ambulatory Care
  • Please review the updates to the Children’s Scheduling Flow Chart and the Children’s Outpatient Operations Guide. Both are more comprehensive and on the Pediatrics COVID Resources site as of Monday, April 20.
  • Virtual Visits have been challenging at times due to technical/connectivity difficulties. Please take advantage of the new section in EPIC to report issues. It is directly below the video encounter icon. Leadership is aware of these issues and is working with EPIC support to try alternative platforms like Webex Teams or Doximity to improve the Virtual Visit experience for both providers and patients. Please stay tuned as we work to find solutions.  
  • We sincerely appreciate everyone's patience and continued hard work to care for the patients at UNC Children's.  
  • The specialists and AAs are working very hard to get patients back into our clinics and scheduled. There have been several glitches with the scheduling process that we are improving to get your patients scheduled.
Virtual Care
  • Attached is a helpful new InfoSheet on RDCs: this includes hours, locations and contact info.
Outbreaks in Regional Food Processing Facilities
An official with DHHS reached out on Tuesday and asked that we share the report of numerous COVID19 outbreaks in NC food processing facilities within our high risk observation referral region. They encouraged a lower threshold for testing poultry packing workers and contacts. Below is a quote from the DHHS website.

"There are currently outbreaks in five food processing facilities located in Bladen, Chatham Duplin, Lee and Robeson counties. An outbreak is defined as two or more positive cases. Local health departments are conducting outbreak investigations including contact tracing to determine who else may have been exposed. Health care providers and hospitals are ensuring that those who test positive for COVID-19 are connected to care."
Your COVID-19 Questions & Answers
Response from Tom Belhorn

Q: I have heard studies are showing that many more people are testing positive for COVID antibody and did not have symptoms. Does this mean that most of the population will be immune and we will not have further outbreaks?
 
A: We are starting to see more quality data on epidemiology, but it is challenging to extrapolate results to the population in general. One study in California has shown a much larger number of people with antibody than expected – BUT it was still only approximately 5% of the population tested who were antibody positive. This would mean, for example, that at least 95% in that population would still be susceptible. Early data from the northeast (US) is showing a much larger percentage with antibody, but it is still not the majority of the population. Also, we still need confirmation that antibody-positive means “protected”. This is likely the case for some period of time, but the quantity of antibody has varied in individuals. So short answer – right now we will still have a large number of susceptible individuals in the population and this needs to be considered when making decisions on relaxing precautions.
Student Telehealth
Electives are rolling out quickly (some are starting next week)! We're reaching out to ask that you complete a survey to allow us to gauge student capacity from all of our partners who expressed interested in engaging student learners for video visits, scribing, or other telehealth opportunities. Take a look at the learning objective and please complete the brief survey below!
Get Your Pets on WellWire TV
During this time of stress and uncertainty, we could all use a little levity. Send pictures of your pets to Danielle Stolfi , at Danielle.stolfi@unchealth.unc.edu . These will be showcased on our WellWire TV throughout the Children’s Hospital.

Please send your pets pictures ASAP. It can be past or present pets, dogs, cats, bearded dragons, that feral cat you’re not supposed to be feeding or that goat you’re doing yoga with - humans can make cameos too :). 
Please include what unit you work on and your pet’s name! Spread the word!
COVID-19 Memory Book
Thanks to Amy Ursano for sharing this great notebook tool for kids! Great for patients or staff with kids who may be struggling with feelings around COVID and family.
An In-person Musical Thank You
Melissa Bauserman shared that she left the hospital Tuesday evening to the sounds of a violinist playing “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The musician thanked her for her work...it was amazing.

We want to share that lovely gesture of heartfelt appreciation with everyone!
Thank you for all that you do!
919-417-3130 (cell)