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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Pat Tormey, RN, MPH¹, Suzanne Crowther, BA, MPH², Julia Gunn, RN, MPH¹, Michelle Canning, RN, BSN¹, Justin Pendarvis, MPH¹, Pam Coppinger, RN, BSN¹, Kate Matthews, RN, BA¹, and M. Anita Barry, MD, MPH¹. (1) Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, 617 534-5611, ptormey@bphc.org, (2) Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02118

Background: In June 2004 a hepatitis A (HAV) case was confirmed in a foodhandler at a Boston fast food restaurant located in a busy downtown section of the city. Since the case had prepared ready-to-eat foods while infectious, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) decided to offer Immune Globulin prophylaxis (IG) to exposed persons. Hundreds of patrons were estimated to have been exposed. We report on the use of ICS to expand local public health capacity and efficiently administer IG prophylaxis on a large scale.

Response: Once a decision was made to offer IG, ICS principles were employed with coordination among many parties including the BPHC Communicable Disease Control Division and Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston EMS, and Boston Police. Volunteers from Boston Medical Reserve Corps, a local pharmacy school, area hospitals and health centers supplemented clinic staff. Clinic flow included triage of persons with special needs, registration, 15 minute group educational session by public health nurses, medical consultation (if needed), IG administration, and discharge with written instructions.

Results: In two days, HAV related education and IG were provided to 1,469 high risk contacts. Despite the provision of educational sessions and individual time with clinicians, throughput averaged 90 patients/hour. Both clients and staff reported satisfaction with clinic operations. Intensified surveillance identified one potential secondary case.

Conclusion: ICS can help local health departments efficiently provide timely services to large groups. Using ICS in situations faced by public health on a routine bases can serve as training opportunities for larger events.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Describe how ICS can be used for a non-terrorism related event to expand local public health capacity.
• Identify 5 stations a clinic will need to prophylax large numbers of people.

Keywords: Communicable Disease, Public Health Infrastructure

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation