title: Pandemic influenza planning by videoconference.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
authors.forename: Ann Marie
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kimball
authors.forename: Yuzo
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Arima
authors.forename: H Matthew
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: French
authors.forename: Carl S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Osaki
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: Soo-Sim
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schafer
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nabae
authors.forename: Chang-Hsun
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hsun
authors.forename: Pengiran
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hishamuddin
authors.forename: Rodney
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Karalee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Woody
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: 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