On November 4, 2026, representatives from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Luke’s University Health Network detailed their measles preparedness strategies during the second session of the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania’s Measles Preparedness and Response Sharing Series. The gathering brought together hospital professionals to exchange real-world experiences and practical approaches for protecting patients, staff, and communities as recent measles exposures prompt hospitals to strengthen response plans and refine screening protocols. The sessions also address emerging challenges in measles response.
CHOP presented its multidisciplinary Measles Emergency Response Taskforce, which provides “one coordinated response across disciplines,” said Matthew Butler, senior director of emergency preparedness and business continuity with CHOP. Butler serves in CHOP’s Office of Preparedness, Prevention and Response. The taskforce unites clinical, operational, infection prevention, communications, and community engagement teams to handle exposures, patient care, visitor management, screening, and public health coordination, along with expanded testing capabilities, increased isolation capacity, and centralized resources for staff and families. The taskforce has also refined screening procedures.
St. Luke’s Risk-Based Screening Workflow
St. Luke’s University Health Network described its risk-based approach to infectious disease screening, which integrates signage, in-person screening, electronic medical record prompts, and specialized procedures for high-risk areas such as the NICU and Labor and Delivery. Registration screening is integrated into this workflow. Through integrating screening into current workflows, the health system seeks to spot potentially infectious patients early, start appropriate precautions, and rapidly notify clinical staff.
Hospitals Adjust Crisis Responses Flexibly
Both presentations emphasized collaboration, clear communication, and scalable processes. Butler noted that CHOP employs a proportional crisis strategy, saying, “We take a tiered approach to crisis response. Not every response requires a big heavy tool.” The hospitals highlighted that establishing dedicated taskforces with defined responsibilities, building scalable preparedness plans that start with core teams, and strengthening partnerships among hospitals, public health agencies, and community organizations help align response efforts and minimize duplication across the health care community. Taskforces require clear leadership alongside defined responsibilities. Communication strategies include staff education and coordinated messaging for patients and families. Partnerships extend to affiliates, and plans begin with a small core team.
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