Hospitals and health organizations across North America say communication and preparation are the most important factors in battling a pandemic.

"Through planning ahead of time, you're able to look at what disasters you may or may not face," says Matthew Fenwick, associate director for the American Hospital Association's media relations department. "Plan accordingly with resources you need, extra supplies and relationships with first-response [teams]."


Wisconsin's Department of Health's preparedness program, which has a 99 percent compliance rate, has three main goals to prepare for whatever "the bad guys or nature throw," says Dennis Tomczyk, director of hospital preparedness for the state's division of public health. The department's goals are similar for hospitals and health departments worldwide.

Health care facilities should be able to deal with a surge, or influx, of patients, Tomczyk says. But not only should facilities be able to handle a surge, it should be for a sustained period of time.

"When you're dealing with more severe trauma, especially infectious disease, you're talking, days, weeks, and that's a difficulty," says Tomczyk.

In order for these goals to be met, the third goal must be fulfilled, which is being able to collaborate with other health care facilities and emergency responders.

"Everybody has to have their plans integrated," he says.

Dr. Kevin Chason, director of emergency management for Mount Sinai Medical Center, dealt with the recent H1N1 pandemic firsthand. He agrees that in order for a preparedness plan to be effective, partnerships and communications are key.

"I emphasize working very closely with partners at other hospitals and the city and the state health department and other agencies that will be part of the response," says Chason. "[It's important to communicate] the same message so the public gets a good idea of what their responsibilities are and what our responsibilities are and how we can help one another to get through something like this in a safe, effective way."

The World Health Organization's (WHO) initiative for infection prevention control in health care also recognizes the importance of collaborating with other networks. During the recent pandemic, the WHO made an effort to work hand-in-hand with both internal and external organizations to prepare for the outbreak. But even the prestigious organization has some areas of concern to address.

"I think that we still need to improve a lot in terms of not only partners within WHO, but also, perhaps more importantly, external partners," says Dr. Carmen Pessoa-Silva, medical officer for WHO and project leader for the initiative for infection prevention control in health care. "We do need to do more work to strengthen readiness for partners to be working together during an emergency situation."

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