Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of the presentation participants will be able to:
1. Conduct a pandemic influenza tabletop exercise
2. Evaluate the exercise
3. Improve future trainings


Background:
With the spread of avian influenza in birds and the increasing number of human avian influenza cases in Asia, health authorities around the world fear that the avian influenza virus may mutate into a form that will spread easily from person to person. While a pandemic cannot be prevented, its impact to all sectors of society can be mitigated. Therefore, we need to be prepared for an event that could be as devastating as the 1918 pandemic, multiplied by our much greater population and our extreme mobility.


Setting:
Health departments inside and outside of California.


Population:
Individuals who would be involved in planning for and responding to an influenza pandemic.


Project Description:
The California Department of Health Services partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Distance Learning Health Network to produce a pandemic influenza satellite broadcast that aired on October 6, 2005. This live broadcast training was reinforced by an optional tabletop exercise that involved producing deliverables that should be included in pandemic influenza response plans. The exercise also included discussions and a self-diagnostic tool for participants to evaluate their efforts. Evaluation of the exercise included facilitator and participant surveys and a follow-up conference call for facilitators.


Results/Lessons Learned:
At least 25 of the 61 local health departments in California were scheduled to do the tabletop exercise on October 6 after the satellite broadcast or at a later date. Preliminary results from the surveys and the follow-up facilitator conference call have generally been positive, including identifying gaps in planning, identifying ways to improve their plans, ability to adapt the exercise to their needs, and repeating the exercise at a later date.