Epidemiological Characteristics Based on the Underlying Diseases for the Deaths Related to Pandemic H1N1 Influenza in Korea / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Since May 2009, a pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus has emerged and spread nationwide. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of the confirmed deaths related with the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in Korea from May 2009 to mid December 2009. METHODS: This study was based on an analysis of the reports from the deaths of confirmed cases pandemic H1N1 virus until 7 December 2009 in Korea. These reports were compiled by the epidemic intelligence team at the Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (KCDC) or at the provinces. The epidemic intelligence team used an identical, well-defined investigate form for reviewing the medical records and for interviewing the physicians in charge of the cases. RESULTS: The first confirmed death occurred on August 15, 2009. Until December 7, 2009, 139 deaths had been reported. Eighty cases (57.6%) were individuals more than 60 years old. Sixty two cases (47.0%) were dead within 7 days from the onset of symptoms. One hundred three cases (74%) had underlying diseases, and cancer was the most common underlying disease. The proportion of patients using antivial medications before confirmation among the patients with underlying diseases was greater than the proportion of patients using antivial medications among the patients with no underlying diseases. CONCLUSIONS: During the evaluation period, serious underlying diseases were present in nearly three quarters of the cases of confirmed death. We suggest that health providers consider using antiviral drugs before confirmation of pandemic H1N1 in hospitalized patients, and especially in those with underlying diseases.

Education of Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response in Healthcare-associated Colleges - Current Status and Learning Objectives Development / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Bioterrorism (BT) preparedness and response plans are particularly important among healthcare workers who will be among the first involved in the outbreak situations. This study was conducted to evaluate the current status of education for BT preparedness and response in healthcare-related colleges/junior colleges and to develop learning objectives for use in their regular curricula. METHODS: We surveyed all medical colleges/schools, colleges/junior colleges that train nurses, emergency medical technicians or clinical pathologists, and 10% (randomly selected) of them that train general hygienists in Korea. The survey was conducted via mail from March to July of 2007. We surveyed 35 experts to determine if there was a consensus of learning objectives among healthcare workers. RESULTS: Only 31.3% of medical colleges/schools and 13.3% of nursing colleges/junior colleges had education programs that included BT preparedness and responses in their curricula. The most common reason given for the lack of BT educational programs was 'There is not much need for education regarding BT preparedness and response in Korea'. None of the colleges/junior colleges that train clinical pathologists, or general hygienists had an education program for BT response. After evaluating the expert opinions, we developed individual learning objectives designed specifically for educational institutions. CONCLUSIONS: There were only a few colleges/junior colleges that enforce the requirement to provide education for BT preparedness and response in curricula. It is necessary to raise the perception of BT preparedness and response to induce the schools to provide such programs.