Training Program Reveals Critical Gaps in Medical Facility Preparedness

From January to June 2026, actors visited 73 medical facilities across various locations, including New York City, the suburbs, New Jersey, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (considered part of the same health area).

The majority of visits occurred at emergency departments, followed by hospital outpatient clinics and emergency centers. While all facilities had agreed to participate in the training, the exact timing of the visits was unspecified.

Key Findings

Only 60% of the facilities successfully masked and isolated personnel, with varying success rates among different patient types. A concerning 18% of facilities failed to provide masks to fever and cough patients.

Despite the importance of timely intervention, less than half of the patients were masked and isolated within the recommended timeframes. The median time to isolation ranged from 2 to 20 minutes, highlighting areas for improvement.

While most facilities tested actors for symptoms, only a small percentage inquired about exposure to avian influenza. Additionally, adherence to personal protective equipment guidelines was insufficient among clinicians.

Implications and Recommendations

The study underscores the potential risks of inadequate infection prevention measures in healthcare settings, particularly in waiting rooms. Improving compliance with protocols is crucial for reducing the transmission of respiratory viruses.

It’s important to note that the results may not fully capture the readiness of all facilities, as some declined to participate in the training. Furthermore, variations in performance could be influenced by factors like advance notice of the visits.