A collaborative system-wide response to influenza outbreak management in Saskatoon Health Region.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the benefits of a regional, collaborative, system-wide approach to influenza outbreak management.


METHODS
Senior management representatives from affected parts of the Regional Health Authority.


METHODS
Saskatoon Health Region.


METHODS
Public Health proactively engaged a broad-based, multidisciplinary planning/management group to minimize the effect of the influenza outbreak, and institute best practice in prevention and outbreak management system-wide for the future.


RESULTS
Earlier recognition and faster resolution of influenza outbreaks, fewer outbreaks, reduced pressure on acute care, greater compliance with amantadine prophylaxis, and improved immunization rates in seniors and health care workers.


CONCLUSIONS
While many of these interventions and best practices have been recommended by individual sectors, when Public Health takes a system-wide approach facilitated by regionalization, it results in optimized planning, co-ordination, evaluation and successful outcomes.
Neudorf
Cordell
C
Public Health Services-Saskatoon Health Region, SK. neudorfc@sdh.sk.ca
Obayan
Aderonke
A
Anderson
Cathy
C
Chomyn
Janice
J
D000547:Amantadine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D011635:Public Health Administration; D012040:Regional Health Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012525:Saskatchewan / Q000453:epidemiology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000547:Amantadine