The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will host a telephone conference on Thursday, August 20 to provide information for healthcare providers about the H1N1 Virus
Title: Information Exchange with HHS on H1N1 Healthcare System Preparedness and Response
Date: Thursday, August 20, 2009
Time: 1:30 -3:00 pm, EDT
Call-in Number: 800-837-1935
Conference ID: H1N1
Agenda
I. Opening Remarks
Chair: Dr. Nicole Lurie, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
Co-Chairs: Capt. Clare Helminiak, Dr. Sally Phillips, and R.Adm. Ann Knebel
Moderator: Susie Butler, CMS Office of External Affairs
II. Discussion
The purpose of the dialogue is to engage the provider community in a discussion of H1N1 preparedness and response issues. High priority will be put on a discussion of the value and contribution of the primary care
provider networks. We will discuss strategies for:
* reducing the burden on emergency departments
* early identification and intervention with high risk patients
* work force protection
In addition we will discuss emerging issues on the healthcare system surge capacity, critical care planning and home health care preparedness and planning issues as of interest to the participants.
III. Open Q&A
Submit questions and innovative solutions in advance at: H1N1.listening@hhs.gov.
Note: CMS emphasizes that submitting questions prior to the call will allow them to address as many questions
as possible. If you choose, you may wait to speak your question during the call.
The CMS Office of External Affairs would like to hear from you:
* What are your plans to protect high risk patients from H1N1 infection in your clinics/professional settings?
* Have you initiated any early intervention strategies with high risk patients (e.g. home antivirals)?
* What strategies are you planning to prevent unnecessary trips to the Emergency Department?
* How are you addressing an anticipated increased patient volume?
* Could telehealth play a role in surge?
* Could call centers support hospital decompression?
* What can PCP do to help the hospitals and vice versa?
Mark your calendar! A follow-up call on the same topic is scheduled for Monday, September 14, 2009.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Can H1N1 and regular influenza vaccine be mixed in the same syringe in order for the children not to get 4 injections
August 20th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Will home health care agencies be allowed vaccine for their homebound patients if they were not allowed seasonal flu vaccine?
August 20th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
For H1N1 vaccination, what specific medical conditions do 25 to 64 year olds need to have to fall into the higher risk group? Is there something other than asthma or HIV or does it include patients with immunocompromised conditions,heart disease, diabetics, renal disease etc
August 20th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Missed the call, is their going to be a transcript or summary posted?
August 28th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Charles,
The initial information from CMS did not mention a recorded version. I will look into it.
Tim
August 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Charles,
I found it:
Did you miss the Information Exchange with HHS on H1N1 Healthcare System Preparedness and Response on August 20? You can still listen to the exchange using the Encore feature – Dial 800-642-1687, conference identification is H1N1. Also – you can continue to send questions and comment to H1N1.listening@hhs.gov
While questions cannot be answered individually, these questions will help shape the content and subject matter of the next call, scheduled for September 14.
Tim
August 31st, 2009 at 10:19 am
Answers to H1N1 questions from:
Barbara B. Citarella RN, MS,
RBC Limited
Healthcare & Management Consultants
http://www.rbclimited.com
pandemic expert
Vaccinate as many as possible in 5 initial target groups
Pregnant women
Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
Health-care and emergency medical services personnel1
Persons from 6 months through 24 years of age
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications2
Prioritization within these 5 target groups might be necessary if initial vaccine availability is insufficient to meet demand
Pregnant women
Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months of age
Health-care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
Children from 6 months through 4 years of age
Children and adolescents aged 5 through 18 years who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications
Simultaneous administration of inactivated vaccines against seasonal influenza viruses and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus IS PERMISSIBLE if different anatomic sites are used.
Simultaneous administration of live, attenuated vaccines against seasonal viruses and pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus is NOT RECOMMENDED
Homebound is not a criteria for admission first round out with vaccine.
September 1st, 2009 at 8:34 am
Barbara,
Thank you for your insightful, expert commentary.
Readers,
Barbara Citarella and Patricia Tulloch, who are RNs and consultants with RBC limited, and who are highly respected nationwide for the depth of their knowledge regarding pandemics and OASIS and all home health clinical matters, have offered to weigh in like this from time to time when your questions require specific clinical expertise. So keep the questions and comments coming and we will make this space a truly beneficial learning experience for all.
The Editor