Canadian survey on pandemic flu preparations

Abstract

BackgroundThe management of pandemic influenza creates public health challenges.An ethical framework, 'Stand on Guard for Thee: ethical considerations in pandemic influenza preparedness' that served as a template for the World Health Organization's global consultation on pandemic planning, was transformed into a survey administered to a random sample of 500 Canadians to obtain opinions on key ethical issues in pandemic preparedness planning.MethodsAll framework authors and additional investigators created items that were pilot-tested with volunteers of both sexes and all socioeconomic strata. Surveys were telephone administered with random sampling achieved via random digit dialing (RDD). Eligible participants were adults, 18 years or older, with per province stratification equaling provincial percent of national population. Descriptive results were tabulated and logistic regression analyses were used to assess whether demographic factors were significantly associated with outcomes.Results5464 calls identified 559 eligible participants of whom 88.5% completed surveys. Over 90% of subjects agreed the most important goal of pandemic influenza preparations was saving lives, with 41% endorsing saving lives solely in Canada and 50% endorsing saving lives globally as the highest priority. Older age (OR = 8.51, p < 0.05) and current employment (OR = 9.48, p < 0.05) were associated with an endorsement of saving lives globally as highest priority. About 90% of respondents supported the obligation of health care workers to report to work and face influenza pandemic risks excepting those with a serious health condition that increased risks. Over 84% supported the government's provision of disability insurance and death benefits for health care workers facing elevated risk. Strong majorities favored stocking adequate protective antiviral dosages for all Canadians (92%) and, if effective, influenza vaccinations (95%). Over 70% agreed Canada should provide international assistance to poorer countries for pandemic preparation, even if resources for Canadians were reduced. While 92% of this group, believed provision should be 7 to 10% of all resources generated, 43% believed the provision should be greater than 10%.ConclusionsResults suggest trust in public health officials to make difficult decisions, providing emphasis on reciprocity and respect for individual rights.

Willingness of the Local Health Department Workforce to Respond to Infectious Disease Events: Empirical, Ethical, and Legal Considerations

“…The public expects healthcare professionals to provide them with treatment. 51 If they fail to treat, the trust of the public is compromised and harm can come to the society as a result. 45 As with the social contract argument, the duty to society calls on the profession rather than an individual healthcare professional to fulfill the duty to treat.…”

Canadian national surveys on pandemic influenza preparations: pre-pandemic and peri-pandemic findings

“…As previously noted in the Ritvo et al [9] survey paper, the Eleventh Futures Forum [14] on the ethical governance of pandemic preparedness stressed public engagement in pandemic planning initiatives. Public engagement via surveys can capture immediate public responses to current issues, informing decisions on policy and shaping public health communications.…”

“…In October 2009 (four months after the start of the Level 6 alert) we modified a previously implemented survey and conducted a second national Canadian survey on pandemic preparedness and management ethics [9] which remained in the field until May 2010 during considerable fluctuations in risk perceptions, influenced by personal experiences and media reports on during the outbreak [10,11]. Survey responses were likely influenced by these socio-environmental fluctuations [12].…”

Priority setting of ICU resources in an influenza pandemic: a qualitative study of the Canadian public's perspectives

“…For example, Ritvo and colleagues conducted a national telephone survey of Canadian residents, in which participants were asked to identify who should have priority for access to scarce hospital resources [29]. Participants attributed high priority to children, healthcare workers infected while serving patients, the sickest patients, and adults with dependents, which suggests a number of prioritization principles were at work (e.g., fair innings, reciprocity, compassion).…”