The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58438

Wayne Higgins, PhD¹, Charles Wainright, PhD¹, Ning Lu, PhD, MPH¹, and John B. White, PhD². (1) Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, (2) Public Health, Western Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, One Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101-3576, 270-745-5867, john.white@wku.edu

As part of the states’ efforts to assess preparedness for possible terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), all hospitals (except military facilities) in Kentucky were surveyed by the Kentucky Hospital Association using an instrument derived from the “Mass Casualty Disaster Plan Checklist: A Template for Healthcare Facilities.” A supplemental survey based on the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) instrument designed to assess hospital preparedness for bioterrorism events was administered during the Fall (2002). Mailed and electronic surveys were followed-up by telephone contact for nonrespondents. One hundred and nine (90%) of the 121 surveyed hospitals responded to one or both (73% responded to both) surveys. Data were analyzed within 14 multi-county Emergency Management Areas (EMAs) as well as for the entire state. Large geographic differences were observed for all measures of preparedness. Notable deficiencies were observed in critical areas of emergency planning, formal cooperation among organizations, communication and information systems, pharmaceutical planning and stockpiling, laboratory diagnostic capability and staff training, ability to conduct disease surveillance, and isolation bed planning. As expected, non-acute care hospitals had less capability to respond than acute care facilities. However, collectively, non-acute hospitals accounted for approximately 10 percent of the state’s licensed hospital beds and they had some important response capability. Several methodological problems were encountered with both surveys. Most notably, a number of respondents reported incorrect information (later corrected via telephone) on key items in the AHRQ survey due to confusion.

Learning Objectives:

• Familiarize participants with basic issues facing hospitals as they prepare for mass casualty events.
• Evaluate the current state of Kentucky's hospitals preparredness for mass casualty events.
• Prioritize preparredness issues for planning and policy development.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.