Development of a resource modelling tool to support decision makers in pandemic influenza preparedness: The AsiaFluCap Simulator

Mart Lambertus Stein, James W. Rudge, Richard Coker, Charlie Van Der Weijden, Ralf Krumkamp, Piya Hanvoravongchai, Irwin Chavez, Weerasak Putthasri, Bounlay Phommasack, Wiku Adisasmito, Sok Touch, Le Minh Sat, Yu Chen Hsu, Mirjam Kretzschmar, Aura Timen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Health care planning for pandemic influenza is a challenging task which requires predictive models by which the impact of different response strategies can be evaluated. However, current preparedness plans and simulations exercises, as well as freely available simulation models previously made for policy makers, do not explicitly address the availability of health care resources or determine the impact of shortages on public health. Nevertheless, the feasibility of health systems to implement response measures or interventions described in plans and trained in exercises depends on the available resource capacity. As part of the AsiaFluCap project, we developed a comprehensive and flexible resource modelling tool to support public health officials in understanding and preparing for surges in resource demand during future pandemics. Results: The AsiaFluCap Simulator is a combination of a resource model containing 28 health care resources and an epidemiological model. The tool was built in MS Excel

Original languageEnglish
Article number870
JournalBMC Public Health
Volume12
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Keywords

  • Decision making
  • Health care resources
  • Influenza modelling
  • Pandemic exercises
  • Pandemic influenza
  • Preparedness
  • Public health officials
  • Simulator

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