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Tip of the week: Involve staff in pandemic preparations

Infection Control Monitor, September 7, 2007

A key component of preparing for a pandemic is involving staff in the process, says Jim Kendig, vice president of HealthFirst, Inc., who headed a group of Florida hospitals that developed a pandemic flu plan.

Staff education is critical to help alleviate staffing shortages resulting from staff members who are experiencing the following:

• Sickness
• Caring for family members
• Lack of childcare because the schools are closed
• Pregnancy or a compromised immune system
• Fear of coming to work
• Typical absenteeism

When developing education for staff members, it's important to emphasize not only their responsibilities but also the potential benefits to them and their families. For example, they and their families will have access to antivirals and, potentially, vaccines. Your facility should be prepared to meet obligations to staff members, says Kendig.

To learn more about the Brevard County group's pandemic planning, go to www.hcpro.com/content/75800.cfm. The cost is $10. Briefings on Infection Control subscribers received this story with their subscriptions.

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