Infect Chemother.  2008 Apr;40(2):83-92. 10.3947/ic.2008.40.2.83.

A Hospital-based Tabletop Exercise for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Design and Evaluation

• Seol HY
• Kim JR
• Mok JH
• Kwon BR
• Lee SH
• Kwak IS
• Jung JW
• Kim JS
• Ko OB
• Cho EH
• Kim SS
• Shin SS
• Lee SW

• KMID: 2230010
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2008.40.2.83

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness and compliance of a hospital-based tabletop exercise in setting of pandemic influenza in hospitals.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Tabletop exercise was held in Pusan National University Hospital and forty two hospital employees were invited to participate in the exercise. The scenario for hospital-based tabletop exercise was designed. It consisted of three modules, which simulated the influx and outbreak of H5N1 influenza that was epidemic in Southeast Asia. Pre-, post-exercise surveys were completed by anonymous questions.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven (88%) of 42 invited participants attended exercise. All members of the administration group and the ancillary services group participated. But, only 77% members of the clinical services group participated. In pre-exercise survey, priorities of eight goals regarding skills and knowledge during exercise were inquired., The highest priorities pointed out by the respondents were "Increase the knowledge of pandemic influenza" (22%), "Development of strategies for optimal communication among employees within specific department" (19%) and "Development of strategies for improved coordination between facilities within the health system" (19%). Twenty-one (57%) of participants completed the post-exercise surveys. At post-exercise surveys, 81% of the participants stated that the tabletop exercise was extremely or very useful, 86% of the participants also stated that it increased their knowledge of pandemic influenza.
CONCLUSION
Tabletop exercise is an effective modality for increasing pandemic influenza preparedness in hospitals, and this method is useful for guiding preparedness activities within the hospital environment. Further studies to determine the appropriate method of discussion, questionnaire, duration of exercise and injection are needed.

Keyword

Hospital-based Tabletop Exercise; Pandemic Influenza

MeSH Terms

Anonyms and Pseudonyms
Asia, Southeastern
Compliance
Influenza, Human
Pandemics
Surveys and Questionnaires

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