title: Preparing your intensive care unit for the second wave of H1N1 and future surges.
abstract: Faced with increased demands for critical care services as a result of the novel H1N1 pandemic, hospitals must prepare a surge response in an attempt to manage these needs. In preparing for a surge response, factors to consider are staff, stuff (supplies and equipment), space, and systems necessary to respond to the event. This article uses this general framework to discuss surge issues in the context of H1N1 challenges that we are facing currently and to provide specific advice for hospitals. Particular attention is given to how hospitals can estimate the potential impact of H1N1 and pharmaceutical stockpiling.
authors.affiliation: University Health Network, University of Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Susy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hota
authors.forename: Elchanan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fried
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Burry
authors.forename: Thomas E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Christian
mesh_terms: D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling