ECRI Institute And IAHSS Offer Guidance On Preparing For Pandemic Flu - July 17 Web Conference

Plans for appropriate respiratory protection are a major part of healthcare facilities' pandemic preparation. To assist hospitals with the complex task of protecting frontline staff in the event of an outbreak, ECRI Institute and the International Association for Healthcare Safety and Security (IAHSS) present "Respiratory Protection: Preparing for Pandemic Flu" on July 17, 2008. This Web conference will help facilities understand risk reduction plans, a practical implementation approach, and how to select optimal respiratory protection through proactive assessment strategies.


Expert speakers will help participants learn about


- Regulatory requirements and OSHA guidance regarding exposure assessment;


- Risk reduction strategies to reduce the probability of infection for staff assigned to care for influenza-infected patients;


- Differences and similarities between types of respiratory protection, as well as how to determine the cost of a well-prepared program; and


- Practical steps to plan for pandemic flu and provide optimal staff protection.


Speakers include:


- Luke A. Petosa, M.Sc, HEM, HEM-CC, Director, Center for Education and Training, ECRI Institute


- Jennifer L. Noppenberger, R.N., B.S., CIC, Clinical Analyst, Vecna Technologies


- John A. Schaefer MFS, CIH, HEM CPEA, Associate Director of Health Safety and Environment, Johns Hopkins University Hospital and Health System


To learn more or to register for this Web conference, visit ecri/webconference, or contact ECRI Institute by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5889; by e-mail at circulation2ecri; by fax at (610) 834-0240; or by mail at 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA.


ECRI Institute (formerly ECRI), a nonprofit organization, dedicates itself to bringing the discipline of applied scientific research to healthcare to uncover the best approaches to improving patient care. As pioneers in this science for 40 years, ECRI Institute marries experience and independence with the objectivity of evidence-based research. ECRI Institute is designated a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization and an Evidence-based Practice Center by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. For more information, please visit ecri.


IAHSS is the only organization solely dedicated to professionals involved in managing and directing security and safety programs in healthcare institutions. Its 1,600 members have joined together to develop educational and credentialing programs and create a body of knowledge that meets the needs of today's fast-paced and ever-changing environment. For more information, please visit iahss.

ECRI Institute