COVID-19 UPDATE | February 23 Huddle Card

February 23, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Live Audio Broadcast Today
  • Changes to Vaccination Quick Facts
  • KPNW COVID-19 Trends 
  • Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
  • Words from Our Members

Live Audio Broadcast Today – Vaccinating Special Populations

Tune in today for our LIVE audio broadcast, starting at 12:10 p.m. Topics on the agenda include:

  • Welcome | Dr. Eric Warshaw
  • Vaccinating our home bound members | Anna Riedel
  • Addressing vaccine hesitancy in special populations | Dan Field
  • Oregon Latino Health Coalition | Olivia Quiroz
  • Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition | Malo Ala’ilima
  • KP North Lancaster Pacific Islander Vaccine Event | Shannon Surber
  • Closing remarks | Michelle Teeples

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only) Dial In:  +1 669 900 9128   Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.

New! Changes to Vaccination Quick Facts

We’re enhancing the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard to bring you the most up-to-date, key data. Some of the changes you’ll see, starting today:

  • The main page shows Health Plan/Hospital, NW Permanente and – for the first time – Permanente Dental Associates.
  • Vaccination rate calculations excludes members < 16 years old, since they are not eligible for vaccine at this time.
  • Vaccination rates by age band and race/ethnic group have been added. This data is critical as we focus on equity and future targeted outreach.
  • New views will include prime and booster doses by geographic area based on a member’s residence.
  • As of yesterday (2/22), this was the most current data on total vaccinations administered:

KPNW COVID-19 Trends 

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented February 18. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

  • Anticipated Surge: OR/WA still in a good position in the short-term with a decreasing outbreak. 
  • Longer term forecasts have much uncertainty due to new variants, slow rollout of vaccines, and potential re-opening of society, schools, economy.
  • In the medium-term, after accounting for uncertainty in spread of new variants, vaccine rollout, and adherence to COVID restrictions, we could see a range of impacts. Estimates for the start of the surge range from late March to late April, with an anticipated peak for both scenarios around June 1.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 29% from last week to this week (25 to 17). Census was 18 on February 17. ADC forecast for this week is 13 by February 24 (w. error).
  • Internal ICU use rate was down. Last week’s rate was 0%. Monthly averages were 13% in Jan. and 8% for Feb. There were no patients in the ICU internally on February 17.
  • KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 11% from last week to this week (45 to 40). Forecast is 44 daily cases by February 24 (w. error). The most recent daily case count was 59 on February 17.

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of February 15 to 21 is 15 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, will continue to inform members that TAT could be 48 to 72 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.

Words from Our Members

“I cannot begin to thank you guys who are dealing with this disease daily enough. I know that there are still way too many folks who aren’t taking this seriously, and you must bear the brunt of it. In the face of all that, though, everyone I dealt with throughout the process of getting this test was cheerful, efficient, thorough, and professional. Thank you so much.”

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 18 Huddle Card

February 19, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • KPNW Superhero Award Winners
  • KSMC Makes Healthgrades America’s List of 100 Best Hospitals
  • Quick Facts: Vaccinations
  • Save the Date | Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 23
  • KPNW 2021 Holiday Schedule Now Available

KPNW Superhero Award Winners

Every day we see examples of heroic work from individuals and teams from across the region. The KPNW Superhero Award celebrates this excellence by recognizing the creative and collaborative ways your teammates support our company, our members, and community. Winners, both individual and team, will be announced here every Friday.

Help spread the word! Post the KPNW Superhero Award flier in break rooms, and wherever teams gather for meetings / huddles and nominate your hero today!

KPNW Superhero Individual Award:

Amy Harris, Dental Assistant, North Lancaster Dental Office

Jill Jacopi, Dental Assistant, North Lancaster Dental Office

Jill and Amy helped support their community during the wildfire threat and evacuation in Molalla last fall. These sisters stepped up to help the local fire department by volunteering at a work site. Read more.

KPNW Superhero Team Award:

Care Delivery Technology Services Team

Our regional Care Delivery Technology Services partners are amazing. The Telehealth Center had been challenged with various IT issues and slowdowns, and staff were submitting ticket after ticket but we were unable to pinpoint the source of the problem. Our regional IT team really listened to our concerns, and then stepped in and took ownership of the problem. Read more.

KSMC Makes Healthgrades America’s List of 100 Best Hospitals

Our own Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center made Healthgrades America’s Best 100 Hospitals list for providing safe and effective outcomes. “This recognition represents tremendous focus and dedication of a highly trained staff,” said Jay Robinson, Hospital Administrator. “To be able to maintain high levels of quality and safety during a pandemic speaks to the caliber of our team! This recognition also serves as yet another way that members and patients can be sure they will receive safe, high-quality care so they can enjoy many more healthy years.” Read more on MyKP.

Quick Facts: Vaccinations

Vaccination data is now included on the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Save the Date |Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 23

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 23, starting at 12:10 p.m. The agenda will include:

  • Vaccinating our home bound members
  • Addressing vaccine hesitancy in special populations
  • Guest speakers from the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition
  • KP North Lancaster Pacific Islander Vaccine Event  

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

KPNW 2021 Holiday Schedule Now Available

Share the 2021 holiday schedule as we work together to balance patient access with work-life balance needs.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 18 Huddle Card

February 18, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Opt-In Weekly Asymptomatic COVID-19 Viral Testing Open to All Staff
  • Clackamas Town Center COVID Testing Relocated to Mt. Talbert
  • Why I Chose to Get Vaccinated: One Employee’s Perspective
  • Thrive Tip: Dr. Scharff Addresses Vaccine Hesitancy

Opt-In Weekly Asymptomatic COVID-19 Viral Testing Open to All Staff

Opt-in for weekly asymptomatic COVID-19 nasal swab testingis now open to all staff. Testing can be accessed via the decision tree on kp.org.

Staff should remember that weekly testing does not change our continued careful use of PPE and Infection Prevention policies when taking care of our members, and should follow our universal masking and eye protection guidelines in our facilities.

Clackamas Town Center COVID Testing Relocated to Mt. Talbert

Effective immediately, COVID-19 testing at Clackamas Town Center will be relocated to Mt. Talbert Medical Office and CTC will no longer offer COVID-19 testing. Members currently scheduled for a test at CTC will receive a notification that their upcoming appointment has been moved to MTT.

Why I Chose to Get Vaccinated

Joshua Holt, a Westside Medical Center nurse and Labor leader, has a front row seat to the happenings at COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Read on MyKP what he would say to someone who may be hesitant to get vaccinated.

Thrive Tip: Dr. Scharff Addresses Vaccine Hesitancy

In this month’s Thrive Tip on KPTV, Dr. Katie Sharff provides information about COVID-19 vaccines in order to provide reassurance that they’re safe and effective, and encourage people to get vaccinated when it’s their turn.

Quick Facts: Vaccinations

Vaccination data is now included on the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

NWP 365 Podcast Episodes

Episode 135 | Dr. Dacones speaks with Dr. Spindel about COVID-19. This week’s topics: guidance around quarantines for vaccinated individuals and the latest on the AstraZeneca vaccine. 

Bookmark COVID-19 Northwest Region Page as MyKP has Launched

The InsideKP intranet site has now been redirected to MyKP (mykp.kp.org). Because things look a bit different in MyKP, be sure to bookmark the COVID-19: Northwest Region page to ensure you can quickly find the COVID-related resources you need.

Save the Date |Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 23

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 23, starting at 12:10 p.m. The agenda will include:

  • Vaccinating our home bound members
  • Addressing vaccine hesitancy in special populations
  • Guest speakers from the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition
  • KP North Lancaster Pacific Islander Vaccine Event  

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 16 Huddle Card

February 16, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Thank You to All KPNW Winter Warriors!
  • Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
  • KPNW COVID-19 Trends 
  • Quarantine Guidelines
  • Bookmark COVID-19 Northwest Region Page as MyKP Set to Launch February 16

Thank You to All KPNW Winter Warriors! 

Some of you skied or snowshoed. Others drove around picking up and dropping off co-workers so they would be present for the day’s challenges. At hospitals, Airport Way, and other facilities, employees slept on portable cots in conference rooms and offices to be ready for their next shift – we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who went the extra mile to take care of our patients over this stormy weekend. Read a special thank you from Imelda, Jeff Collins, and John Snyder.

  • The Oregon Convention Center mass vaccination site will be open regular hours today (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.); OCC was closed Friday to Sunday and experienced a delayed start Monday (9 a.m. vs 7 a.m.). More than 9,500 patients who had Friday – Monday a.m. appointments were rescheduled and notified of their new appointment times.

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

The average routine COVID-19 testing turnaround time (TAT) for the week of February 8 to 14 is 20 hours.

Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, will continue to inform members that TAT could be 48 to 72 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends 

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented February 12. Based on review of internal trends and external considerations our findings are:

  • Anticipated Surge: OR/WA still in a good position in the short-term with a decreasing outbreak. 
  • Longer term forecasts have much uncertainty due to new variants, slow rollout of vaccines, and potential re-opening of society, schools, economy.
  • In the medium-term, after accounting for uncertainty in spread of new variants, vaccine rollout, and adherence to COVID restrictions, we could see a range of impacts. Estimates for the start of the surge range from late March to late April, with an anticipated peak for both scenarios around June 1.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 13% from last week to this week (26 to 22). Census was 16 on February 10. Decline is slowing; last week’s rate drop was 20%. ADC forecast for this week is 14 by February 17 (w. error).
  • ICU use rate is down. Last week’s rate was 10%. Monthly averages were 13% in January and 11% for February. There were no patients in the ICU internally on February 10.
  • KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 47% from last week to this week (82 to 43). Forecast is 41 daily cases by Feb 17 (w. error). The current daily case count is 10% of the peak count back in November.

Quarantine Guidelines

We’ve posted an updated summary with references for the various quarantine options, requirements and exclusions to the NWP Info Hub and the COVID-19 websites. Recent changes by the CDC and OHA include waiving the requirement for quarantine for contacts of COVID-19 once an individual is 2+ weeks beyond completion of their vaccine series. That would be 2 weeks beyond the 2nd dose of a two-vaccine series; or, 2 weeks beyond the 2nd dose of single dose vaccine if/when one becomes available.

Bookmark COVID-19 Northwest Region Page as MyKP Set to Launch February 16

This evening our regional InsideKP intranet site will redirect to MyKP (mykp.kp.org). Because things will look a bit different in MyKP, be sure to bookmark the COVID-19: Northwest Region page to ensure you can quickly find the COVID related resources you need.

Quick Facts: Vaccinations

Vaccination data is now included on the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Save the Date |Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 23

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 23, starting at 12:10 p.m.

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

Words from Our Members

“During the pandemic the job the medical community has provided has been outstanding. I’m sure the resources have been strained to the limits while still being able to accomplish their missions. I appreciate the compassion shown to vulnerable patients and a sometimes confused public.”

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 12 Huddle Card

February 12, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Winter Weather Update
  • A Clarification on Masking
  • Comprehensive COVID-19 Surgical and Procedural SOP
  • Bookmark COVID-19 Northwest Region Page

Winter Weather Update

Due to winter weather:

  • COVID-19 testing appointments scheduled at the Clackamas Town Center drive-thru have been moved to Mount Talbert, today through Sunday. Patients were contacted by text and phone.
  • The Oregon Convention Center vaccination site is closed today. Everyone scheduled for an appointment will be contacted via email and/or phone to assist with rescheduling their appointment to next week. We are still working out details, but please rest assured that everyone will be rescheduled with support.

Resources:

  • Call the KPNW Employee Phone Line at 866-813-0038 to learn about any changes in KP operations. Call the Oregon Convention Center Weather Hotline at 971-268-6622 to learn about any changes in OCC vaccination operations.
  • Follow the attached policies with regard to (1) inclement weather and associated pay practices and (2) hazardous snow and ice conditions. “Adverse conditions / inclement weather days” (described in the pay practices policy) have not been declared at this time.
  • Guide members to KP.org for weather-related updates.

A Clarification on Masking

All employees in clinical facilities must now wear a KP-issued isolation/procedure mask (not a Cover-Your Cough or L1 mask). Previously, staff not involved in direct patient care were not required to wear isolation/procedure masks. Cover Your Cough masks will remain allowed for staff in non-clinical facilities and for patients and visitors. Review the updated mask infographic

UPDATED | Comprehensive COVID-19 Surgical and Procedural SOP

These standard operating procedures have been updated to reflect the following changes:

  • COVID-19 testing 2 days prior to surgery/procedure for most SMC patients
    • This is being implemented to minimize retesting of patients if they go to a double occupancy room postop.
    • Exceptions: patients going to critical care postop, i.e., cardiac surgery patients, complex vascular surgery, free flaps, etc. and SNF patients tested at their home facility
    • Do not retest patients who have already been tested within 7 days of surgery.
  • Workflow for same day/next day testing (slide 7)
  • Addition of the workflows within the OR (slide 12-18) and CVL (slide 19-22)

Bookmark COVID-19 Northwest Region Page as MyKP Set to Launch February 16

On Tuesday, February 16, our regional InsideKP intranet site will redirect to MyKP (mykp.kp.org). Because things will look a bit different in MyKP, be sure to bookmark the COVID-19: Northwest Region page to ensure you can quickly find the COVID related resources you need.

Quick Facts: Vaccinations

Vaccination data is now included on theCOVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Save the Date |Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 23

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 23, starting at 12:10 p.m.

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 11 Huddle Card

February 11, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Prepare for Winter Weather
  • Live Audio Broadcast Recording and Summary
  • KPNW 3M N95 Masks are the Real Deal
  • Updated Resource Access Center Flier

Prepare for Winter Weather

Snow is in the forecast Thursday through Sunday. Except in the most extreme circumstances, we plan to operate all our facilities, including COVID vaccination sites. If, however, we find it necessary for safety reasons to modify a facility’s schedule, that information will be (1) recorded on the KP Employee Line (866-813-0038), (2) emailed via an update from the Regional Command Center, and (3) shared by your manager. Review how to prepare here. KP.org will provide guidance for members. The Regional Command Center will meet regularly to continually assess the situation and coordinate across operations.

Live Audio Broadcast Recording and Summary

If you missed Tuesday’s audio broadcast, you can:

  • Click here to listen to the recording (password: kpnw2021)
  • Find a summary of key points here . Topics included:
  • Situation Update for KPNW and States of OR and WA | Dr. Mary Giswold (0:00 – 04:27)
  • Vaccine Distribution Overview | Junior Lyman (04:48 – 14:37)
  • Vaccinating Seniors | Dr. Eric Warshaw (14:38 – 23:16)
  • Vaccinating Educators | Wendy Watson (23:17 – 29:47)
  • Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff (29:48 – 43:49)
  • Recap and Recognition | Wendy Watson (43:50 – 46:00)

The next LIVE audio broadcast will be on Tuesday, February 23, starting at 12:10 p.m.

Overall COVID-19: Numbers are trending in the right direction. Our 7-day average for COVID-19 is 62 new cases a day, down from a high of 275 in late November: a decline in KP employees testing positive and no new cases in vaccinated employees.

Eligibility for Vaccine:

In Oregon, everyone in Phase 1a, Groups 1 to 4; and Phase 1b, Groups 1 and 2 (childcare providers, early learning and K-12 educators and staff, and people 80 and older) are currently eligible for the vaccine. More information: Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 vaccine page.

This week, the OHA expanded eligibility to Group 2, which includes adults 80 and older. The remaining age groups and eligibility dates are:

Group 3: Seniors 75 and older, eligible February 15

Group 4: Seniors 70 and older, eligible February 22

Group 5: All Oregonians 65 and older, eligible March 1

In Washington, everyone in Phase 1a and Phase 1b, Tier 1 (B1) is currently eligible, including anyone 65 and older, as well as people 50 and older living in a multigenerational household. More information: Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine page.

Vaccinating Educators:

In the Portland Metro area, we’re approaching educator groups in 4 waves:

  • All employees providing in person instruction, pre-K to first grade teachers and support staff, bus drivers, custodians, nutrition service employees, all emergency childcare facilities operating in person. (36,000 educators)
  • Educators grades 2-5: 7,900
  • Educators grades 6-8: 4,000
  • Educators grade 9-12: 17,000
  • We’re in the middle of wave 3, expanding to wave 4 next week.
  • KPWA/Educator partnership in WA – Educators not yet eligible. WA must be 50% though phase B1 before this can happen, so sometime in the spring.

Supply: We continue to receive new vaccine, but not enough to keep up with demand. Not everyone who is eligible is able to get the vaccine. This week, all of our appointments for 80 and older were filled in just a few hours. But more is on the way and supplies should start to increase.

Supply Chain Verifies That Our 3M N95 Masks are the Real Deal

In response to news reports of counterfeit 3M N95 masks (model numbers 1860, 1860S and 1870+) in Washington, we have verified the authenticity of KPNW’s inventory. KP only purchases 3M N95s from established distributors who only receive their masks directly from 3M. We have not received any donations of 3M N95s and do not plan to accept future donations. If you purchased a 3M N95 respirator for personal use, you should consider verifying its authenticity by reviewing the steps contained in a letter from 3M.

Opt-In Weekly COVID-19 Testing Phase 2: Health Care Personnel

Health care personnel (HCPs) in hospital and ambulatory settings can now opt-in for weekly COVID-19 nasal swab testing. Testing can be accessed via the decision tree on kp.org.

HCPs may participate whether or not they have received a COVID-19 vaccine. HCPs should remember that weekly testing does not change our continued careful use of PPE and Infection Prevention policies when taking care of our members, and should follow our universal masking and eye protection guidelines in our facilities.

This is the second phase of the opt-in testing program, which initially opened to hospital employees working in the ED, ICU, COVID-19 units and Anesthesia departments. We are phasing in groups of employees based upon their risk and exposure with suspected and diagnosed COVID-19. Additional groups will follow in the next few weeks to months if our testing capacity allows.

Quick Facts: Vaccinations

Vaccination data is now included on the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

NWP 365 Podcast Episodes

Episode 133 | Dr. Dacones speaks to Dr. Spindel about COVID-19, various strains, inpatient/outpatient therapeutics, trials, and testing.

UPDATED FLIER| Transportation Assistance for Members

For staff outside care delivery who need to refer a member for transportation assistance, please refer them to a Resource Access Center (RAC) specialist at 503-571-8005. Please note, RAC specialists are currently working remotely, and not available within MOBs (they will be returning soon). Review the Resource Access Center flier to see all available assistance.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 9 Huddle Card

February 9, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
  • Vaccination Updates
  • Vaccinations by the Numbers
  • A Big Thank You to Dr. Sharff!
  • Weekly Testing Turnaround Times
  • KPNW COVID-19 Trends

Today’s Live Audio Broadcast | Get the Latest COVID-19 Updates

Join us today at 12:10 p.m. for a KPNW LIVE audio broadcast. The agenda will include:

  • Situation Update for KPNW and States of OR and WA | Dr. Mary Giswold
  • Vaccine Distribution Overview | Junior Lyman
  • Vaccinating Seniors | Dr. Eric Warshaw
  • Vaccinating Educators | Wendy Watson
  • Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff
  • Recap and Recognition | Wendy Watson


https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only) Dial In: +1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663. If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.

Vaccination Updates

  • Setting Expectations for 80 and Older in Oregon: Many of us are getting questions from patients, members, and families regarding the next group eligible for the vaccine – 80 and older. Here is what we’re doing to help based, as always, on vaccine supply:
  • Eligibility began February 8. Seniors in Group 2 (people 80 and older) are eligible to receive the vaccine. Most doses allocated this week for them (4,450) will be directed to the OHSU PDX drive-thru vaccine clinic. The Oregon Convention Center will also be an option; about 1,000 doses are allocated this week for seniors at the OCC.
  • The Oregon Health Authority provide a new tool at covidvaccine.Oregon.gov called Get Vaccinated Oregon. This tool will allow people to determine if they are currently eligible for a vaccine and register to get email alerts or text notifications when they become eligible. Once users are eligible to be vaccinated, this tool will help them to find vaccine events in their area. Using this tool does not guarantee users a specific “spot in line.” This tool will be open to all Oregonians.

To find out if they are eligible and where they can get vaccinated, Oregonians should do one of the following:

  • Visit covidvaccine.Oregon.gov
  • Text ORCOVID to 898211
  • Email ORCOVID@211info.org
  • Call 211 or 1-866-698-6155
  • (TTY: dial 711 or call 1-866-698-6155)

Watch: Our Public Relations team worked with KGW to help seniors understand what to expect when scheduling an appointment and waiting to get the vaccine. Click to watch the story.

  • Second Dose Vaccine Appointments
    • Patients who received a first dose COVID-19 vaccine from KP in the quad-county Portland area and have not received an email or text about how to schedule a second dose appointment, should call KP at 1-800-813-2000.
    • The same provider (e.g., KP, Salem Health, Providence, etc.) needs to provide a patient both their first and second dose. Why? Public Health allocates second doses to the provider who distributed the first dose. That provider also maintains the health record.
  • Salem Area Update: KPNW is partnering with county health departments to support vaccinating community members. Vaccine supply is limited. We are administering vaccinations to appointed community members within OHA guidelines at the North Lancaster medical office. All appointments are filled for this week.
  • Transportation Assistance for Members: We recognize that suitable transportation access, a key social determinant of health, can be a challenge for many of our members, and some members have expressed concern with transportation to vaccination appointments. If you are working with a member who needs assistance with transportation, our Population Health teams are here to help!

    For those in care delivery, please submit a “low complexity” IR Care Management referral in KPHC (job aid attached); for those outside of care delivery, the number to our Resource Access Center teams (bilingual flyer) can be provided to members.

    Additional transportation assistance for the OCC COVID vaccination site and regional resources. Transportation-related attachments will be posted on the COVID-19-NW page this afternoon under ‘Members and Customers.’

Vaccinations by the Numbers

Check out the new design and information posted on the COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard. Below is a piece of the new dashboard tracking vaccination information.

A Big Thank You to Dr. Sharff!

Katie Sharff, MD, NWP infectious diseases physician and the COVID-19 vaccine lead, has been an incredible resource over the last months — both internally, within KP, and externally, in the broader community. Despite how busy she is, she is always game for sharing information and doing interviews (nearly 30 since May) — and she’s become a trusted source for local new sources reporting on COVID-19 and the vaccine. They keep coming back to request interviews because they know she’ll do a great job. Kudos, Katie!

Weekly Testing Turnaround Times

Average routine TAT for week of January 31 to February 6 was 17 hours. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, will continue to inform members that TAT could be 48 to 72 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented February 5:

  • OR/WA still in a good position with a decreasing outbreak.
  • We are watching and tracking on the potential for all identified new variants so that we can take account of variants’ increased transmissibility and potential differences in morbidity and/or mortality.
  • Longer term forecasts have much uncertainty due to new variants, slow roll-out of vaccines, fear/fatigue cycles, and potential re-opening of society, schools, economy.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 20% from last week to this week (28 to 22). Census was 21 on February 3. Decline is slowing; last week’s rate drop was 24%. ADC forecast for this week is 16 by February 10 (w. error).
  • ICU use rate is up slightly. Last week’s rate was 20%. Monthly averages were 22% in December and 13% in January. There were 4 patients in the ICU internally on February 3
  • KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 12% from last week to this week (91 to 81). Forecast is 79 cases by February 10 (w. error). Decline is increasing; last week’s rate was 2%.

Words from Our Members

“Dr. Lin is engaged and compassionate. She was very kind and solved my problem quickly. The lobby was very attentive to COVID-19 safety protocols and my appointment was quick and easy to make. Thank you. This is how a hospital should work.”

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 5 Huddle Card

February 5, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Vaccination Updates
  • Are the COVID-19 Vaccines Safe? Dr. Sharff Provides Answers.
  • KP National News
  • Save the Date | Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 9

Vaccination Updates

  • Oregon Eligibility Expands to Include 80 and Older

Beginning February 8, seniors in Group 2 (people 80 and older), will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Most appointment allocations will be directed to the PDX drive-thru vaccine clinic. The Oregon Convention Center will also be an option.

  • 211Info

We have secured an agreement with 211Info to help people without internet access. Individuals who call 211 will receive vaccine eligibility and education—the same information available using the chat bot on the OHA Vaccine page. Support also includes fast access to the OCC Contact Center to help with scheduling. English and Spanish languages are available.

  • 2nd Dose Appointments

The outreach campaigns for people eligible to receive their booster (second) dose February 8 through 28, but not yet scheduled in the Tri County area is complete. Those individuals received instructions to schedule their booster dose at OCC within the appropriate timeframe. For those who received their prime (first) dose outside of Tri County area, they have received a scheduling ticket notification to book their appointment. Eugene and Salem are experiencing a very limited availability of 2nd dose appointments.

Are the COVID-19 Vaccines Safe? Dr. Sharff Provides Answers.

Now that vaccines for COVID-19 are becoming available, many people have questions about whether they should get vaccinated and what to expect when they do. Dr. Katie Sharff addresses these concerns and provides clarification about the COVID-19 vaccines. Read more on MyKP.

KP National News

Keeping Kids Moving is Essential for Good Health
The pandemic has kept kids indoors and away from their regular activities, raising alarms about rising childhood obesity.

Save the Date |Next Live Audio Broadcast is February 9

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 9, starting at 12:10 p.m.

Submit your questions or suggestions for future audio broadcast topics.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of February 3. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 4 Huddle Card

February 4, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • RCC Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
  • Vaccination Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccine: FAQs
  • Scheduling Vaccinations by State and Location Options
  • Updated Patient Flyer: Cold, Flu, Or COVID-19?

Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates

During Tuesday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates and answers on the COVID-19

vaccine and more.

If you missed it, listen to the audio recording (password: kpnw2021). Topics discussed February 2:

  • COVID-19 Community Update | Wendy Watson (0:00-02:22)
  • Vaccination Status Update | Michelle Teeples and Dr. Eric Warshaw (02:23- 17:15)
  • Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff (17:16- 31:57)
  • Surgical Services Update | Dr. David Parsons (31:58- 38:50)
  • Closing Remarks | Dr. Mary Giswold (38:51- 40:05)

In addition, you can review a summary of the discussion (attached).

Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, February 9, starting at 12:10 p.m.

Vaccination Updates

Oregonians age 80 and older will become eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines beginning February 8. This means the Oregon Health Authority eligibility groups will include Phase 1B, Group 2, as part of their phased approach; they are not allowing all seniors at once. Currently, everyone in Phase 1A, Groups 1,2,3, 4 and Phase 1B, Group 1 is eligible. We are actively planning for how to make vaccinations for these seniors as safe and easy as possible, including ensuring ADA accommodations at the OCC. In addition, we are planning to partner with OHSU on a drive through vaccine clinic at PDX; updating our decision tree; and ensuring that kp.org/covidvaccine/nw is clear and the OHA chat bot is ready. More updates are in the bulletin here.

COVID-19 Vaccine: FAQs

  • Double Masking Guidance (FAQs attached)
    • Does KP support double masking for the general public? If a member of the public feels safer wearing two masks, or one or more of the masks being worn is not of sufficient quality, it may make sense to double them up.
    • Does KP support double masking for healthcare workers? KP employees should continue to follow the KPNW and KP National Mask Guidelines developed by the KP National Infectious Diseases Chiefs and approved by the National Command Center. This does not include wearing a cloth mask in addition to a KP-provided mask.
  • How will I be able to prove that I’ve been vaccinated if I need proof for work, travel, or other reasons?  We issue a vaccine card according to federal rules. It’s a paper card developed by the CDC. We recommend you take a photo of it in case you lose the paper card. 
  • I heard that an mRNA vaccine (such as the COVID-19 vaccine) can change your DNA. Is that true? No. The vaccine doesn’t contain DNA and doesn’t affect your DNA. It tells your cells how to make proteins that protect against the virus. 
  • If a KP administrative employee has questions as to their eligibility for vaccination who should they talk to for clarification? If a KP administrative employee has questions as to their eligibility, they should ask their manager for guidance. Managers should escalate questions to their regional leadership for resolution. 

You can find updated internal COVID-19 FAQs on the COVID-19 NW page.

Scheduling Vaccinations by State and Location Options

Use these two charts to understand the prime (first) and booster (second) dose pathways for Oregon and Washington residents.

Updated Patient Flyer: Cold, Flu, Or COVID-19?  

Please share this updated flyer with patients. It offers a symptoms checker to help people know the difference; and, lists steps to take if they have the cold, the flu, or COVID-19.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of February 2. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

COVID-19 UPDATE | February 2 Huddle Card

February 2, 2021

In today’s update, you will find important information, including:

  • Today’s Live Audio Broadcast
  • NEW: Weekly Average for Testing Turnaround Times
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Care Essentials at Hawthorne Reopening February 17

Today’s Live Audio Broadcast | Get the Latest COVID-19 Updates

Join us today at 12:10 p.m. for a KPNW LIVE audio broadcast. The agenda will include:

  • COVID-19 Community Update | Wendy Watson
  • Vaccination Status Update | Michelle Teeples and Dr. Eric Warshaw
  • Clinical Vaccine Update | Dr. Katie Sharff
  • Surgical Services Update | Dr. David Parsons
  • Closing Remarks | Dr. Mary Giswold

https://sparkstreetdigital.zoom.us/j/91660184663 (Audio only) Dial In: +1 669 900 9128 Webinar ID: 916 6018 4663.  If you’re unable to join, a recording will be provided on Wednesday.

KP.org Updates

A new section on kp.org/covidvaccine/nw makes it easier for members/nonmembers to choose the vaccine experience that works for them:

Update | Booster (Second) Dose Vaccinations

  • All patients eligible to receive a booster at the Oregon Convention Center vaccination site are being contacted via kp.org (if registered) and via a text or a call. We initiated outbound campaigns on Friday, January 29 and will complete our campaign by EOD today. We will outreach to patients by phone if they don’t have texting capability on Tuesday and Wednesday. This will complete our transition of booster shot appointments to OCC.
  • We learned that 687 patients that received their first dose at BVT, CIN and MTT scheduled their second dose appointments at CPK, but since they received their first dose in Oregon, they need to also receive their second dose in Oregon. We are cancelling their appointments, and these patients will receive a link to reschedule their appointment at OCC.

NEW: Weekly Average for Testing Turnaround Times

Starting this week, we will post a weekly average for COVID-19 testing turnaround times (TAT). This will be a look back over a 7-day period, including weekends. It will be posted in the Huddle Card and Daily Brief once each week. Member communications, including kp.org and call center scripts, will continue to inform members that TAT could be 48 to 72 hours so they can plan accordingly for travel.

Average routine TAT for week of January 24 to 30 was 16 hours.

KPNW COVID-19 Trends

From KPNW researchers, scientists, and physicians, presented January 29:

  • Anticipated surge: OR/WA still in a good position with a decreasing outbreak.
  • We are watching and tracking on the potential for all identified new variants so that we can take account of variants’ increased transmissibility and potential differences in morbidity and/or mortality.
  • Longer term forecasts have much uncertainty due to new variants, slow roll-out of vaccines, and potential re-opening of society, schools, economy.
  • Internal hospital census (ADC) weekly average was down 24% from last week to this week (35 to 27). ADC forecast for this week is 13 by February 3 (w. error). ADC trending down since peak of 56 on January 2.
  • ICU use rate is ticking up slightly as the ADC continues to drop and a small number of very sick patients remain. December average was 22%. January is averaging 13%. There were 4 patients in the ICU internally on January 27.
  • KPNW COVID+ weekly average of daily cases was down 2% from last week to this week (92 to 91). Forecast is 93 cases by February 3 (w. error). Current forecast suggests a local minimum in the short term.

Updated Workflow for Universal Inpatient Testing

Our hospital and surgical teams have recently updated the workflow for the universal testing of inpatients. These changes reflect the new double occupancy guidelines, clarify the testing of pre-procedure or pre-surgical patients, and address the workflow for testing patients with a history of prior COVID-19 infections.

COVID-19 Universal Inpatient Testing Workflow (1-25-21)

What’s New in HealthConnect?

See the latest HealthConnect Update for information about the new Infection Control Module to Streamline Care for COVID-19.

Clinical Guidance For COVID-19 Vaccines

Clinicians, please review these new talking points for responding to COVID-19 vaccine and clinical scenarios, including scheduling, coadministration, “COVID-19 arm,” and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have vaccination shifts available at the Beaverton Medical Office, Central Interstate Medical Office, and Mt. Talbert Medical Office on February 6 & 7, and February 14 to 16. Vaccination hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you can help, please fill out the ambulatory site availability form by 8 a.m. on February 3. We will award in seniority order, following local bargaining guidelines as applicable.

Please only apply if you are certified to administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

Situation Update

Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.

This data is current as of January 31. For the most up-to-date KPNW Situation information visit the KPNW COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard.

Care Essentials at Hawthorne Reopening February 17

The Care Essentials at the Hawthorne location will reopen on February 17 with a single clinician model. This site has been closed since March 2020. Since that time, the Care Essentials team has been instrumental in providing follow up for patients who test positive for COVID-19. They will continue to support this outreach work after reopening. Care Essentials operates 7-days-a-week. Reopening with a single clinician will provide greater than 750 same day or next day appointments per month.

Words from Our Members

“The nurse who administered my COVID-19 test was awesome! She was so courteous and gentle that it made my first experience with this test easy. Given the danger of testing people for COVID, I am amazed that she was so calm. This gives me hope for humanity!”