March 6, 2006

Pandemic Influenza Home Health Care Planning

As of March 3, 2006, posted under the Home HealthCare Services Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist has been developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assist public and private organizations who may need to provide such services during a pandemic influenza.

The format of The Checklist includes structure for planning and decision making; development of a written pandemic influenza plan; elements of the plans, a communication plan; education and training and written information that is language and reading/level appropriate fore the target population.

It addresses an Infection Control Plan for pandemic influenza patients in the home who may have specialized needs and equipment and information for the healthcare providers who may have to provide the care in the homes. Information on this can be viewed on the CDC Infection Control page.

A Vaccine and Anti-viral Plan has also been developed. Issues related to Surge capacity including cross-training and priorities for providing care are addressed as well as contingency staffing plans for either limiting home care access or recruiting temporary personnel during the staffing crises.

Another major component is an Occupational Health Plan which should include, “inter alia”, a liberal/non punitive sick leave policy for the patients and care providers and mental health and Faith based resources.

Thomas Calhoun MD, FACS, FACPE

Georgetown University Master of Science Program

Biohazardous Threat Agents and Emerging Infectious Diseases

Washington, DC

Website; www.BePast.org