Study Reveals 40% of Health Facilities Failed Pandemic Preparedness Drill

<p>A study has revealed significant weaknesses in pandemic preparedness at both national and local levels, particularly in response to potential outbreaks. Health officials in New York conducted a regional test of healthcare facilities to evaluate their ability to identify and respond to a patient with a mystery infection that could pose a pandemic-level threat. The results indicated that responses were slow, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment was inconsistent, and only 60 percent of the facilities passed the basic requirements of the test.</p><p>Officials noted that the drills highlighted the need for improved training for healthcare workers and facility staff to ensure earlier identification, masking, and isolation of potentially infectious febrile patients. The findings were published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.</p>