Re-Engaging Healthcare Employees

1
Re-Engaging Healthcare Employees

• Utilizing the Previously Infected

Group 3
2
Assumptions

• Expected 30-40 of general population would be
  ill
• Would healthcare workers and first responder be
  disproportionably affected?
• Current research says maybe
• Some planning assumes that use of PPE would
  decrease the level of infection in first
  responders

3
Healthcare Staffing Resources

• Retired
• Previously Infected
• Out-of-Area
• Nursing Schools
• Medical Students
• Reassigned Staff
• Other Volunteer Agencies (e.g., Red Cross, NGOs)

4
Testing Protocols

• Influenza Testing Completed in Early Phases of
  Pandemic Influenza
• Eventually, Testing Would Stop When it Was
  Determined That the Pandemic had Arrived
• WSPHL Could do 20-50 Influenza Tests per Day
• Surge Capacity Limited for Laboratory Staff
• Reference Labs Cannot do Influenza Typing
• CDC Determines Which Labs can do Influenza Typing
• Check for Certified Labs in Your Area

5
Ongoing Surveillance

• State Epidemiologist Makes Decision on Selective
  Testing

6
Previous Infection

• Test Could be Developed to Measure Titer to
  Pandemic Strain
• Hospitals Could Potentially Provide this Capacity
• In 1918, those who were infected in the first
  wave were resistant to the second wave

7
Some Other Considerations

• Family Centers - Cohorting ill dependents to be
  cared for by previously infected volunteers
• Concerns of family members who dont want their
  loved ones on the front lines
• Access to medications and treatment as an
  incentive for volunteers
• Hazard/Bonus pay for healthcare workers (sources?)