The French Society of Infectious Diseases' preparedness and response to epidemic or biological risks: the current situation following the alerts regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus and Ebola Virus Disease
Context: In 2012, the French Society of Infectious Diseases (SPILF) established the "Coordination of Epidemic and Biological Risks" (SPILF-COREB - Emergences [SCE]) group to support the preparedness and response of healthcare workers (HCWs) to new alerts. Objective: To present the SCE group, its operations, and the primary support it provided to frontline HCWs. Methods: A multidisciplinary group of heads of infectious disease departments from referral hospitals was established to build a network of clinical expertise for care, training, and research in the field of epidemic and biological risk (EBR). The network developed a set of standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to guide interventions for managing patients suspected of having EBR. Results: A working group developed the SOPs intended for frontline HCWs caring for patients. Priority was given to developing a generic procedure, which was then adapted according to the current alert. Five key steps were identified and prioritized: detecting, protecting, caring for, alerting, and referring the EBR patient. The interaction between clinicians and those responsible for community protection was crucial. The SOPs validated by the SPILF and its affiliates were disseminated to a wide range of key stakeholders through various channels, including workshops and the SPILF’s website. Conclusion: The SPILF can easily adapt and promptly mobilize EBR expertise in the event of an alert. This work suggests that sharing and discussing this experience, initiated at the European level, can generate new collective expertise and needs to be further developed and strengthened.
Author(s): Coignard Biehler H, Rapp C, Chapplain JM, Hoen B, Che D, Berthelot P, Cazenave Roblot F, Rabaud C, Brouqui P, Leport C
Publishing year: 2017
Pages: 95-102
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