Pandemic influenza planning by videoconference

Abstract

Collaboration between nations and sectors is crucial to improve regional preparedness against pandemic influenza. In 2008, a Virtual Symposium was organized in the Asia-Pacific region by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Emerging Infections Network (APEC EINet) to discuss pandemic preparedness. The multipoint videoconference lasted approximately 4.5 hours and was attended by 16 APEC members who shared best practices in public-private partnerships for pandemic influenza preparedness planning. Twelve of the 16 APEC members who participated responded to a post-event survey. The overall experience of the event was rated highly. Partnering public health, technology and business communities to discuss best practices in preparedness using videoconferencing may be an effective way to improve regional preparedness. Utilization of videoconferencing on a routine basis should be considered to improve preparedness among APEC members and enhance its usability during a pandemic.

Use of Technology to Support Information Needs for Continuity of Operations Planning in Public Health: A Systematic Review

“…Thirty-nine publications were returned in the results set for this search. Of these, one article [42] was a follow-up to an included business continuity videoconferencing article already included in the review [22] . In addition, three studies [43–45] demonstrated methods that combined GIS technology and public health data but did not meet our inclusion/exclusion criteria.…”