Planning for a pandemic: Are you ready?

Federal experts offer a checklist to help physicians take steps to prepare their practices.

Editorial. April 24, 2006.

This question is increasingly being asked of physicians as the reach of the avian flu broadens and transforms what many used to consider an abstract threat -- that of another pandemic influenza -- into a more likely possibility.

There has been considerable high-level attention about pandemic preparedness. Activity is under way among federal, state and local governments, as well as within public health departments and hospitals. It is also becoming more and more clear that doctors, too, have to begin thinking about arrangements for their medical offices and clinics before a crisis occurs.

Think of the issues that could be in play in the event of this type of catastrophic infectious disease outbreak. How would a practice handle a surge of patients if not all physicians and support staff can make it into the office? How should a practice address the needs of those who get sick at work? At what point, in practices large and small, would it be necessary to close the office or recruit temporary personnel? What about maintaining supplies?

The Dept. of Health and Human Services, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has created an online checklist to help physicians prepare their practices by encouraging them to think through these complex matters. The goal is to maximize physicians' ability to confront the unique challenges a pandemic would present. HHS' efforts to provide a tool to ease this process should be applauded as an important step in enhancing physicians' abilities to handle emergencies of all types -- whether it be a pandemic, a natural disaster or even a terrorist attack.