A strategy for real time improvement (RTI) in communication during the H1N1 emergency response

Seidl, Isaac A., Johnson, Andrew J., Mantel, Peta, and Aitken, Peter (2010) A strategy for real time improvement (RTI) in communication during the H1N1 emergency response. Australian Health Review, 34 (4). pp. 493-498.

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View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AH09826
 
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Abstract

Objective. To develop and implement a strategy that would enable the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and guide real time improvements within the life cycle of the emergency. Design, setting and participants. An anonymous internet-based questionnaire featuring multiple choice and open text questions was administered to stakeholders of the EOC of a regional tertiary hospital. Main outcome measures. The outcomes were perceptions of sufficiency and relative usefulness of various sources of information on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009, including differences between local, state-wide and authoritative worldwide information sources. Results. A total of 328 responses were received over two rounds of questionnaires. Email communication from the Health Incident Controller (HIC) was the most useful source of information (74% found it very useful, compared with authoritative international websites at 21% (Centers of Disease Control) and 29% (World Health Organization)). A total of 94% felt this strategy contributed to improvements. Free text responses also helped the EOC and HIC to tailor communication methods, style, content and tone during the response. Conclusions. Real time improvement is a useful strategy for implementing change to practice during the life cycle of the current emergency and has broader applicability than Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Local stakeholders demand local content for their information feed and messages from a trusted local leader are the most superior forms of communication.

Item ID: 17310
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1449-8944
Date Deposited: 30 May 2011 03:47
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1199 Other Medical and Health Sciences > 119999 Medical and Health Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111709 Health Care Administration @ 50%
SEO Codes: 89 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES > 8999 Other Information and Communication Services > 899999 Information and Communication Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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