The lack of time to train staff and uncertainties about shipping infectious substances were identified as the biggest challenges to Ebola preparedness in a recent survey, according to an article on the FaciltyCare website.

Forty-eight percent identified "available training time for patient care staff" as their biggest limitation.

Another 20 percent cited money or lack of qualified staff and internal resources to support training as their key limitation, the article said.

EH&E, an environmental and engineering consultant, surveyed hospital environmental health and safety managers, risk managers and facilities managers in 41 U.S. hospitals. 

Researchers recommended selecting a small number of staff to be highly trained in Ebola preparedness and safety precautions. This group may include a select number of nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, ‘safety monitors’ and environmental services staff to participate in initial and periodic retraining sessions, including PPE donning and doffing procedures.

Read the article.