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Sanjoy Roy, Marna Hoard, William Manley, Paul M. Furbee, and Janet M. Williams. Center for Medical Preparedness, West Virginia University, Center for Rural Emergency Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506, 304-685-2487, sroy@hsc.wvu.edu
BACKGROUND: Terrorism related events, coupled with the recent outbreak of emerging infectious diseases such as SARS and influenza, suggest the need for a strong collaborative healthcare system in support of emergency preparedness. Vital to such a system is the collaboration between local health departments (LHDs) and hospitals. This study examined West Virginia LHDs’ perceptions of emergency preparedness collaboration with local hospitals. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted with WV LHD Threat Preparedness Program Managers (TPPM). Interviews examined four topic areas: readiness assessment and preparedness planning, surveillance, communications, and training and focused on the current levels of collaboration, barriers to collaboration, and ways to alleviate these barriers. RESULTS: 41 of the 49 TPPMs participated in the telephone interviews. The majority (78%) of the respondents reported that they were working with their local hospital more compared to pre-9/11 collaborations. Specific collaborative activities included: joint training (67%), developing a comprehensive plan (68%), assessing present surveillance systems (65%) and developing and implementing integrated communications systems (26%). Major barriers to collaboration were: scarcity of personnel dedicated to the process (37%), and lack of time for preparedness planning (29%). Twenty-six percent of respondents felt the need for increased hospital participation. Respondents stated they require additional funding (34%), more personnel and training on actual roles of LHDs and hospitals (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence gathered indicated increased collaboration between rural LHDs and hospitals in terms of public health emergency preparedness. However, respondents felt increased allocation of funds, as well as, dedicated time and personnel would likely facilitate preparedness activities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to
Keywords: Emergency, Public Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.