In 2000, the Northeast Ohio Regional Flu Preparedness Task Force was created based on the 1999 influenza season experience, noted for an unprecedented demand for healthcare provider emergency and inpatient services. In 2000, the combination of limited/late influenza vaccine availability nationwide and strain on healthcare providers from hospital closures, created an urgent need for public health departments, hospitals and emergency medical service providers(EMS)to create a coordinated response. This effort was developed by a metropolitan hospital association in partnership with a county public health department. The Task Force created a public-private partnership among 32 hospitals, 13 health departments and three EMS providers, integrating their needs into a unified approach in the community during the 2000 influenza season. Strategies included: * Developing and distributing a public education pamphlet region-wide * Assisting healthcare providers to utilize better resource management by engaging them in a strategic plan of action including treat and release protocols * Creating a surveillance system monitoring influenza activity and hospital bed capacity so appropriate steps could be taken to ensure access to services A web page"What's New with the Flu" displayed surveillance data, updates and allowed access to Task Force materials for replication in other communities. This effort spawned discussions between the state hospital association, state public health department and state EMS agency as to their level of preparedness during influenza season. Future plans include model refinement in 2002 and exploring application to other situations such as natural (pandemic influenza) or manmade (bioterrorism) disasters. See www.ccbh.net and www.chanet.org
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: 1) Identify the process and elements to successfully create an integrated regional action plan addressing influenza for public and private healthcare providers. 2) Describe the strategies used to: a) Educate the consumer, b)Create a community internet resource to provide data,information, and work products, c)Develop a method to monitor hospital bed capacity and disease incidence, and d)Educate providers on the use of treat and release protocols. 3) Discuss the effects of surge capacity on hospitals and EMS providers and the implications during influenza season. 4) Recognize the value of using a flu preparedness model in other communties and its potential application to other public emergency situations.
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Center for Health Affairs
The Cuyahoga County Department of Health
Cleveland Clinic Health System Eastern Region
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed by the Center For Health Affairs. However, the products described are in the public domain and for community use at no cost.