ABSTRACT
The first human H5N1 case was diagnosed in Hong Kong in 1997. Since then, experience in effective preparedness strategies that target novel influenza viruses has expanded. Here, we report on avian influenza preparedness in public hospitals in Hong Kong to illustrate policies and practices associated with control of emerging infectious diseases. The Hong Kong government's risk-based preparedness plan for influenza pandemics includes 3 response levels for command, control, and coordination frameworks for territory-wide responses. The tiered levels of alert, serious, and emergency response enable early detection based on epidemiological exposure followed by initiation of a care bundle. Information technology, laboratory preparedness, clinical and public health management, and infection control preparedness provide a comprehensive and generalizable preparedness plan for emerging infectious diseases.
Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases, Emerging/prevention & control , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Influenza in Birds/prevention & control , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/prevention & control , Animals , Chickens/virology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/virology , Hong Kong/epidemiology , Hospitals, Public/legislation & jurisprudence , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza in Birds/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/virology , Pandemics/prevention & control , Poultry Diseases/prevention & control , Poultry Diseases/virology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/epidemiology , Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome/virologyABSTRACT
In Hong Kong, a pilot project is being undertaken to implement a web-based electronic patient record system to allow integrated, real time patient based information to be shared in clinics, private and public hospitals. Such sharing aims to ensure that complete and accurate healthcare information is available to citizens' multiple points of care through a stable IT system. A challenge is to share this electronic information whilst ensuring privacy and security. Hong Kong has achieved its initial goals and pioneered in building a territory-wide electronic health record (EHR). This paper will outline the tasks involved, approach, method used and initial review of the pilot project. Barriers to implementation are discussed and critical success factors are identified.
