Pandemic Preparedness

If avian flu or another lethal disease begins spreading rapidly, preparations for staff protection and effective use of community resources could be of crucial importance to patients, family, and healthcare providers. No one wants to have to decide whether to risk contracting a deadly disease in order to care for those in need. We hope the resources listed below will be useful to palliative care professionals and other concerned citizens. We welcome your comments and suggested additions at resources@aahpm.org

Home Health Care During an Influenza Pandemic: Issues and Resources
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released this primer for home-healthcare agencies on preparing for a flu pandemic.

Pandemic Preparedness and Palliative Medicine
This article by Porter Storey, MD, AAHPM Executive Vice President, outlines steps that communities, organizations, and palliative care physicians can take to prepare for a pandemic.

Planning for Avian Influenza
This Annals of Internal Medicine article provides information on avian flu and preparedness for this deadly virus.

The Health Care Response to Pandemic Influenza
This American College of Physicians position paper, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, addresses the aspects of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan that involve physicians.

Health Care Worker Safety During a Pandemic
This article posted on www.fluwikie.com outlines safety tips health care workers can use to protect themselves during an influenza pandemic.

Preparing for the Coming Influenza Pandemic
This monograph posted on www.fluwikie.com provides detailed information on the deadly flu, pre-pandemic preparations for individuals, and home treatment considerations for health professionals.

Avian Influenza: Resources for Health Professionals
This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site offers a variety of resources on avian flu for clinicians covering training, professional guidance, infection control, vaccination, treatment, health education, travel advice, and prevention.

Situation Updates - Avian Influenza
Up-to-the-minute reports of the avian flu situation form the World Health Organization.