Outbreaks of infectious diseases offer insight for how healthcare facilities can respond more effectively to future challenges, according to editors of the American Journal of Critical Care. 

Preventive efforts and supportive care associated with viral outbreaks require high levels of infrastructure and provider knowledge and skills, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.

Hand-washing, personal protective equipment and pristine techniques honed by practice remain central to infection control, the article said. 

“Outbreaks reinforce the importance of critical care knowledge, skill and teamwork in uncertain situations,” Cindy Munro said. “Infectious diseases have always posed risks for healthcare providers, and it’s our duty to use all our knowledge and skills to protect ourselves, our patients and the public, and to prepare for future challenges.”

Read the article.