Measures of Effectiveness in Large-scale Bioterrorism Events

Abstract

Measures of effectiveness (MOEs) are defined as operationally quantifiable management tools that provide a means for measuring effectiveness, outcome, and performance. No clear MOEs exist for determining success or failure of the management of a bioterrorism response. This is especially critical because management requires a multi-agency and multi-disciplinary decision-making and evaluation process. It is suggested that the minimum MOEs required to operationally measure outcome must contain a measuring response capacity for: (1) real-time public health surveillance system; (2) full coverage health information system; (3) capacity to measure variance across management timelines; (4) demonstrated decline in mortality and morbidity; (5) control of transmission rates of communicable agents; and (6) resource distribution across the entire population.

DNA Biosensors-A Review

“…In recent years, biosensors have been increasingly used for continuous monitoring of biological and synthetic processes used in industrial and clinical chemistry. Biosensor is becoming popular in the field of food analysis [1], bioterrorism [2,3], environmental [2][3][4] and in the area of human health monitoring and diagnostics [5][6][7].…”

Contributions of Health Care Coalitions to Preparedness and Resilience: Perspectives From Hospital Preparedness Program and Health Care Preparedness Coalitions

“…Despite its importance, 27,[31][32][33][34][35][36] few coalitions were collecting data needed to inform an evaluation of coalition effectiveness or quality improvement activities. Two of the most common types of data collected were the HPP performance measures, which coalitions are required to report to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, and coalition fiscal data (eg, how much money is being spent and where).…”

“…34,27 In turn, this understanding allows coalitions to modify existing activities in order to achieve greater impact. 31,32,35 Performance measurement is invaluable to building and sustaining coalition effectiveness. 33…”

Untitled

“…The most fundamental guidance we offer is that you need to have a plan in advance. Since 11 September 2001, the USA and other countries have run exercises to prepare for attacks, including bioterrorism [7][8][9][10][11][12]. We believe that, based on the way in which SARS crippled our health care system (in particular critical care delivery) and dealt significant blows to our economy, a great deal could be gained from simulating similar events and planning a system wide response to emerging pathogens.…”