Pandemic Planning
Healthcare Facilities Role in Pandemic Planning
It's important for your facility to work closely with community leaders in planning for a possible pandemic, so that everyone clearly understands their roles. Healthcare facilities play a critical role in moderating the impact of a pandemic. The website, www.pandemicflu.gov, created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is your best resource for up-to-date information on pandemic planning.
Prompt identification and isolation of patients,
healthcare workers, or visitors who may be
infected with avian influenza (AI) is critical
to minimize the risk of healthcare associated
transmission and to enable an efficient
public health response. The public health
surveillance system will be critical in initiating
rapid deployment of resources to contain the
spread of the virus.
The website also provides information on how to establish contact with state officials to determine what resources you can expect from state and national stockpiles, including anti-viral drugs and vaccines. Your facility will need to have plans in place to address ethical questions about the allocation of an inadequate supply and an efficient plan for quickly distributing drugs and vaccines to those most in need.
What can you do now to prepare?
The prospect of preparing for a pandemic can seem overwhelming, but there are steps you can begin to take now.
Train hospital and enforce staff adherence to infection control guidelines
Institute Respiratory Etiquette hospital wide; this will help train your staff and
patient community now, while the need isn't quite as critical.
Consider stockpiling essential consumable and durable medical supplies.
Begin developing elements of the HHS preparedness checklist.
Research what state resources may be available to you.
Stockpiling Medical Supplies
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that healthcare facilities consider stockpiling enough consumable and durable supplies for the duration of a pandemic wave, estimated to be between six and eight weeks.10 Due to the global "just-in-time" inventory system that many hospitals employ, stockpiling these items now and increasing par levels is the best method of insuring that your facility will have the necessary resources in the event of a large scale patient surge.
Consumable Resources:
Hand Hygiene Supplies (antimicrobial soap and
alcohol-based, waterless hand hygiene products)
Disposable N95 Respirators, Surgical and Procedure Masks
Face Shields (disposable or reusable)
Gowns
Gloves
Facial Tissue
Central Line Kits
Morgue Packs
Surface Disinfectants
Durable Resources:
Ventilators
Respiratory Care Equipment
Beds
IV Pumps
Click here to view more about HHS Pandemic Healthcare Planning
Resource Links:
www.pandemicflu.gov
www.kcprofessional.com/us/Resource-Center/avianflu.asp
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10 http://www.hhs.gov/pandemicflu/plan/sup3.html#app2
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