Monday, May 4, 2009

ARLINGTON, Va.--More than half (53 percent) of the nation's home medical equipment and service providers have formal plans to respond to a pandemic flu and another 23 percent have stockpiled N95 masks or other supplies related to a flu pandemic, according to a survey conducted by the American Association for Homecare. Two-thirds say they are coordinating or communicating with other organizations in their communities to prepare for a pandemic.
 
The 147 home care providers that responded to the survey, conducted April 30 and May 1, collectively serve more than 2.5 million patients through more than 1,000 branch locations across 50 states.
 
"Home-based care is a centerpiece of the national pandemic flu response and in a pandemic situation, home medical equipment personnel will be on the front lines," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of the Association. "Our members have experience responding to weather-related emergencies and power outages, which present risks to patients who require oxygen through devices that require electricity. A pandemic flu presents a different set of challenges, but the home medical sector has prepared for them."
 
Some home care providers have had pandemic flu plans and training dating back several years. Pat Northheimer, clinical director at Cole Care in Coudersport, Pa., commented, "We had a pandemic flu drill three years ago that involved hospitals and local EMS. Projections were made with a scenario that worsened each day. It was very helpful in showing us just how bad things could get if the projections were accurate. The drill went into great detail."
 
Apria Healthcare, a national home medical equipment and service provider headquartered in Lake Forest, Calif., tests emergency preparedness plans in its 500 locations at least annually and consults with local or state disaster preparedness authorities.
 
Bob McLellan, general manager of Pacific Coast Medical Supply, which operates one branch, in Astoria, Oregon, said, "We have notified local hospital, law enforcement, fire departments, and our local am radio station of our status and availability of services during emergencies."
 
For more on HME providers’ role in responding to a pandemic, see Flu Outbreak Underscores Home Care's Role.