Internet-based systems for situational awareness and public health workforce management during a disaster or pandemic

Disasters and pandemics have the potential to undermine the readiness of the public health and safety workforce at the same time that demands on that workforce greatly increase. Compared to planning for provision of services to the general public, practical ways of implementing plans for managing and tracking critical sector workforces has received less attention. For example, a 2009 survey of unionized health care institutions (http://www.aflcio.org/issues/safety/upload/panflusurvey.pdf) concluded that one-third were “either not ready or only slightly ready to address the health and safety needs necessary to protect healthcare workers during a pandemic.” In like manner, an HHS report on hospital preparedness recently reported that “Real-time tracking of a community's medical resources is not possible in the majority of locales because most local and state authorities are not able to electronically report resource data (e.g., personnel, supplies, and equipment).” [http://www.upmc-biosecurity.org/website/resources /publications/ 2009/pdf/ 2009-04-16-hppreport.pdf] Internet-based continuity of operations tools have recently been created to address the need for enhanced workforce communication and management before, during, and after an event. For pre-event pandemic influenza planning, a secure internet program successfully evaluated, prescribed, and dispensed >30,000 courses of antiviral medication to employees and dependents of a multi-state energy utility. A internet/telephonic system under deployment by a metropolitan hospital system will provide management with real-time updates on the health and work status of key personnel, facilitate rapid prioritization and disbursement of medications and other counter-measures, allow “doorway screening” of entrants to critical work areas, streamline screening of volunteers and new hires, and allow tailored, secure communications to targeted personnel via password controlled web portal, email, or automated voice messaging. Internet based sharing of information among hospital alliances can facilitate regional situational awareness. Conclusion: An internet-based continuity of operations system represents an advance in workforce management for disasters and pandemics.