Team cohorting
In order to limit patient exposure and team risk, we introduced a team
cohort approach: a rotating small-team approach designed for each
clinical site in our residency program as described by other surgical
subspecialties 4. Each cohort team is prevented from
physical interaction with the other teams and cover separate days in the
hospital. Faculty-resident partnerships were assigned to limit
interaction between Department members but provide comprehensive
coverage at each clinical site. Residents were assigned to physician
teams and they worked as a unit, being on call the same days and off the
others. Attending teams were sequestered as well. This reduced the
chance of spread of infection throughout the program should one resident
or attending become infected.