A long-term care facility pandemic influenza preparedness planning assessment tool.

Philip W. Smith, Keith Hansen, Harlan Sayles, Brendan Brodersen, Sharon Medcalf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

To assess qualitative aspects of long-term care facility (LTCF) preparedness programs and to test the utility of a LTCF pandemic preparedness Tool. A Tool was developed and weighted with input from various subject matter experts. LTCFs. LTCF preparedness programs. A 61-question Tool was used in facilities. Prevalence of pandemic preparedness elements was assessed, and total Tool scores were calculated and graphed. The Tool results were used to assess overall preparedness and specific preparedness measures in LTCFs. Results suggested that LTCFs that are engaged in planning are addressing many but not all key plan details. LTCFs scored better on plan elements rated as most important (eg, does the LTCF designate an individual in charge during a disaster?) than on all pooled plan elements. The LTCF preparedness Tool score correlated positively with both facility size and whether the facilities had exercised their plan. Most LTCFs had developed a number of aspects of a preparedness program, but additional preparedness measures remain to be implemented. The LTCF should focus on the identified key plan elements and exercise their plan before a disaster occurs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)219-230
Number of pages12
JournalAmerican journal of disaster medicine
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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