Planning will be a key factor to healthcare facilities ability to handle a public health emergency, such as a pandemic flu. The points below will help healthcare facilities address the planning issues needed in an emergency.
Structure for planning
Incorporate a pandemic flu plan into emergency management planning
Assemble a planning committee lead by a pandemic flu response coordinator and include the following departments: administration, medical staff, nursing, reception personnel, environmental services, clinic laboratory personnel and other employee members
Determine a point of contact to handle questions/consultations on infection control measure to prevent the transmission of pandemic flu
Elements of a written pandemic influenza plan
Create a plan for surveillance and detection of pandemic flu in the population served
Assign responsibility for monitoring public health advisories
Create a system to monitor and review flu activity in patients cared for by clinical staff
Create a system to report unusual cases of flu-like illness
Communication plan
Identify key public health points of contact for pandemic flu (state and local)
Appoint the office or clinic's point person for external communication (speaks with Oakland County Health Division, media, etc.)
Compile a list of healthcare entities or organizations you may deal with in the event of a pandemic (e.g., local hospitals/health facilities, home health care agencies, social service agencies, emergency medical services, laboratories, relevant community organizations)
Communicate with local planning groups
Provide an education and training program to ensure that all personnel have knowledge about the plan
Determine a lead staff person responsible for coordinating training of all staff including long-distance (e.g., web-based)
Be sure language and reading level is appropriate for personnel
Obtain reliable materials to give to patients and the public - address all language and education levels
Infection Control
Identify a segregated room for patients with pandemic flu symptoms
Include signs and supplies to help limit the spread of the pandemic flu
signs (e.g., proper way to: cover your mouth, blow your nose, sneeze, wash your hands, etc.)
supplies (e.g., tissue and receptacles for disposal, soap, hand-sanitizer, masks, etc.)
Vaccine and anti-viral use plan
Follow Oakland County Health Division's website for availability of pandemic flu vaccines and anti-viral medications
Estimate the number of personnel and patients who would be targeted as first and second priority for receipt of pandemic flu vaccine (guidelines set by US Department of Health & Human Services)
