Reduction in Hospital Transfers at a US COVID-19 Alternate Care Site: Maintaining Surge Capacity Support in Imperial County, California

This study evaluates a COVID-19 alternate care site (ACS) used to relieve overwhelmed hospitals. The site treated moderately to severely ill patients and improved performance over time by adding clinical protocols, staff training, and better coordination. As shown in transfer data, the rate of patients sent back to hospitals dropped from about 37% to 14.5% after these improvements. Most patients were safely discharged home. The findings suggest that ACS sites can safely handle higher-acuity patients and maintain surge capacity, especially when they use continuous quality improvement, clear protocols, and strong coordination with hospitals.