National SOP defined for the healthcare management of Ebola cases
The document outlines the procedures for managing suspected or confirmed cases, the transport of biological samples, and biocontainment transfers, defining the roles of healthcare facilities and the National Civil Protection Service
The Civil Protection Department and the Ministry of Health have defined a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), including the transport of biological samples and the potential transfer of patients to biocontainment facilities.
This document provides a national operational framework for coordinating healthcare, logistics, and biosafety activities related to disease management, and outlines the roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms among the parties involved. The procedure was developed to ensure a consistent approach nationwide and to facilitate coordination among the Italian National Health Service, the relevant administrations, and the National Civil Protection System in activities requiring specific prevention and safety measures.
As part of the procedure, the National Civil Protection System may be activated to support the Regions and Autonomous Provinces in meeting logistical needs, particularly for the transport of biological samples and for assisting with biocontainment transfer operations, through the Remote Centre for Health Rescue Operations (CROSS). Additionally, the document sets forth procedures for managing suspected cases, designates Rome Fiumicino Airport as the national health hub, and provides an operational framework that can be updated in response to evolving epidemiological scenarios and prevailing national regulations.
A dedicated section provides more detailed information on key aspects of the procedure and describes the steps involved in case management, the transport of biological samples, and the potential transfer of patients to a biocontainment facility.