Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
state public issues and concerns related to pandemic influenza,
list the results of concept testing on select pandemic influenza messages,
name pandemic influenza concerns of health professionals.



Background:
Given the likely occurrence, possible consequences, and uncertainties of pandemic influenza, the United Sates deems planning and preparedness to be prudent. As part of this preparation effort communication material is being developed to inform both public and professional audiences about pandemic influenza and its possible dire consequences. The concept testing of this communication material and an in-depth qualitative assessment of the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of public and select professional audiences is an important part of these preparation activities.


Setting:
New York City; Wichita, Kansas; Portland, Oregon; and San Francisco, California


Population:
Individual interviews were conducted with 39 health care professionals. Ninety-seven members of the general public participated in groups of three to five.


Project Description:
Fourteen pandemic influenza messages were selected from a total of 80 messages that had been developed. These messages were presented as a series of 4 to 5 fact sheets with participants asked to review the content of each sheet for clarity and understanding. Physician participants were also asked to review two diagnostic algorithms on the treatment of influenza.


Results/Lessons Learned:
Participants reported little awareness of pandemic influenza with little geographic variability. Professional participants also reported little sense of urgency about pandemic influenza