1. Short summary / abstract
The web directory provides links to the contingency plan and an accompanying slide set and explains pandemic flu and the differences between it and ‘ordinary’ flu. There are a series of guidance documents which include key facts, frequently asked questions, operational guidance for health service planners, clinical guidelines and infection control guidelines for hospitals and community.
The UK operational framework for antiviral medicines is also included and a DH statement on avian flu and the risks of transmission to humans.
2. What question is the document addressing?
The web directory provides links to information, guidance and resources for health professionals and the public on pandemic flu.
3. Type of study
Web Directory
4. Methods valid & appropriate?
Yes
Comments:
Comment: Useful gateway to all pandemic flu guidance and information needed
5. Results / recommendations reliable?
Yes, as far as not yet proven ‘in anger’ and will need revision on a regular basis as more up to date information becomes available. Important to make sure web based documents consulted for latest version.
6. Any major problems and biases?
Guidance will be revised on a regular basis – web based documents will contain latest version of guidance
7. Any other important / relevant studies which confirm or contradict?
1. Department of Health: UK Health Departments’ UK influenza pandemic contingency plan (October 2005)
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4104861&chk=KLK6/h
2. Department of Health: Explaining pandemic flu (19th October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/49/04121749.pdf
3. Department of Health: Key Facts (19 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/47/04121747.pdf
4. Department of Health: Important information for you and your family (19 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/38/04121738.pdf
5. Department of Health: Frequently asked questions (19 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/40/04121740.pdf
6. Department of Health: Influenza pandemic contingency planning: Operational guidance for health service planners (12 May 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/10/82/04111082.pdf
7. Department of Health: UK operational framework for stockpiling, distributing and using antiviral medicines in the event of pandemic influenza (21 September 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/96/10/04119610.pdf
8. Department of Health: Clinical guidelines for patients with an influenza-like illness during an influenza pandemic (19 October 2005)
http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/55/04121755.pdf
9. Department of Health: Guidance for pandemic influenza: infection control in hospitals and primary care settings (19 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/17/54/04121754.pdf
10. Department of Health Pandemic influenza slide set (19 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/EmergencyPlanning/PandemicFlu/PandemicFluList/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4121650&chk=QHSLdt
11. Department of Health : DH statement on avian flu (14 October 2005) http://www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/EmergencyPlanning/PandemicFlu/fs/en
12. Health protection Agency: General Information on avian influenza
http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/
8. Keywords
influenza flu pandemic flu contingency plan antiviral medicines infection control in hospital & community avian flu
Reviewer's Details:
| Name: | Sue Wiseman |
| Post: | Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH |
Affiliations
(Society / Organisation / Advisory Committee): | Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens
Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T
Member Infection Control Nurses Association |
*** Note: These are the views of a professional expert rather than an official statement from his or her society, organisation or advisory committee.