Conversion of a Conference Room into a Low-Acuity Inpatient Medical Unit: A Creative Response to Influenza-Related Surge

Background The 2017–2018 influenza season was associated with high demand for both emergency department (ED) care and inpatient acute care for influenza-like illness (ILI). This high demand resulted in increased numbers of inpatients and ED patients, including prolonged ED length of stay. A large, urban, academic medical center in a cold-weather region was limited in its ability to expand its footprint to create de novo locations of care, such as temporary outbuildings or tents. As such, a large conference room was rapidly converted and placed in service as a temporary inpatient unit for adults requiring inpatient admission. Logistics and Implementation The logistical, infection prevention, safety, information technology, staffing, and other concerns of creating a clinical environment during a high demand scenario is challenging. However, the lessons learned in this study are reproducible despite the complexity of this issue. Conclusion This is believed to be the first published account of successful conversion of a nonclinical area to an operational clinical unit in response to a surge in demand for hospital care and admission. This may be a valid option for hospitals of all sizes as part of a surge or disaster plan.