Pandemic influenza planning by videoconference.
Collaboration between nations and sectors is crucial to improve regional preparedness against pandemic influenza. In 2008, a Virtual Symposium was organized in the Asia-Pacific region by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Emerging Infections Network (APEC EINet) to discuss pandemic preparedness. The multipoint videoconference lasted approximately 4.5 hours and was attended by 16 APEC members who shared best practices in public-private partnerships for pandemic influenza preparedness planning. Twelve of the 16 APEC members who participated responded to a post-event survey. The overall experience of the event was rated highly. Partnering public health, technology and business communities to discuss best practices in preparedness using videoconferencing may be an effective way to improve regional preparedness. Utilization of videoconferencing on a routine basis should be considered to improve preparedness among APEC members and enhance its usability during a pandemic.
Kimball
Ann Marie
AM
Department of Epidemiology and Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Arima
Yuzo
Y
French
H Matthew
HM
Osaki
Carl S
CS
Hoff
Rodney
R
Lee
Soo-Sim
SS
Schafer
Lisa
L
Nabae
Koji
K
Chen
Chang-Hsun
CH
Hsun
Chang
C
Hishamuddin
Pengiran
P
Nelson
Rodney
R
Woody
Karalee
K
Brown
Jacqueline
J
Fox
Louis
L
D001208:Asia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007391:International Cooperation; D055818:Public-Private Sector Partnerships; D049269:Videoconferencing