Evidence Report on Regionalization of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Planning
Dena M. Bravata, M.D., M.S.
Project DirectorStanford-University of California, San Francisco Evidence-based Practice Center
Evidence Report
• Purpose: to synthesize the published evidence on a given topic
• Method:– Search literature for relevant articles– Abstract data from each article– Evaluate the evidence
1. Medical, public health– Identify key tasks for responding to
bioterrorism-related events
2. Supply chain, logistics– Identify best practices for designing regional
stockpiles and distribution systems
3. Emergency management– Identify key components of mutual aid
agreements
4. Government documents – Identify ongoing bioterrorism response
planning efforts
Literature Sources
1. Design a completely new system2. Consider bioterrorism preparedness
planning in the context of existing response infrastructures
• Public health• First responders• Hospital systems• Laboratories
Two Approaches
• Planning and Preparedness• Field assessment and triage • Diagnosis • Management of acutely ill • Prevention • Surveillance • Outbreak Investigation• Communication • Emergency Management
Key TasksSubtasksResources
Preliminary Findings
• Many systems • Few evaluations
Utility of the Evidence Report
• Identify regional response organizations
• Identify available evidence about regionalization of key tasks
• Simulations of regionalization– Stockpiling/distributing
antibiotics/vaccine– Surveillance
To obtain a copy of the Evidence Report
• “Regionalization of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response” (available after December 2003)
• Free of charge:– www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcix.htm– AHRQ Clearinghouse: 800.358.9295
Information Technology for Bioterrorism Preparedness
• Detection/Diagnosis (78 systems)• Management and Prevention (18
systems)• Surveillance systems (90 systems)*• Reporting and Communication (26
systems)*• Integrated Surveillance, Communication,
and Command and Control (7 systems)*
*High relevance to surge capacity and regionalization
Humanitarian Logistics• Primary Objective: Timely mobilization of
financing and goods• Tasks: procurement, transport, tracking and
tracing, customs clearance, local transportation, warehousing and last mile delivery
• Fritz Institute– Non-profit – Mission: apply logistics expertise from the
corporate/academic community to humanitarian relief
– http://www.fritzinstitute.org
