A long-term care facility pandemic influenza preparedness planning assessment tool.

OBJECTIVES

To assess qualitative aspects of long-term care facility (LTCF) preparedness programs and to test the utility of a LTCF pandemic preparedness Tool.

DESIGN

A Tool was developed and weighted with input from various subject matter experts.

SETTING

LTCFs.

PARTICIPANTS

LTCF preparedness programs.

INTERVENTIONS

A 61-question Tool was used in facilities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of pandemic preparedness elements was assessed, and total Tool scores were calculated and graphed.

RESULTS

The Tool results were used to assess overall preparedness and specific preparedness measures in LTCFs. Results suggested that LTCFs that are engaged in planning are addressing many but not all key plan details. LTCFs scored better on plan elements rated as most important (eg, does the LTCF designate an individual in charge during a disaster?) than on all pooled plan elements. The LTCF preparedness Tool score correlated positively with both facility size and whether the facilities had exercised their plan.

CONCLUSIONS

Most LTCFs had developed a number of aspects of a preparedness program, but additional preparedness measures remain to be implemented. The LTCF should focus on the identified key plan elements and exercise their plan before a disaster occurs.