Prepare for the Next Special Pathogen Event with the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Preparedness Checklist
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Preparedness is an ongoing process. While current outbreaks abroad may serve as a reminder to revisit readiness, healthcare facilities benefit from regularly evaluating their ability to safely identify, isolate, inform, and manage patients with suspected special pathogens.
NETEC has developed free, online assessment tools to help healthcare organizations evaluate and strengthen operational readiness for special pathogen events.
Start with the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Checklist
For facilities beginning their preparedness journey, the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) Checklist provides a practical first step. The checklist helps facilities assess their readiness to identify, isolate, inform, and provide initial treatment for patients with suspected or confirmed viral hemorrhagic fever. It also connects users to resources that can help address preparedness gaps and strengthen response capabilities.
Take a Deeper Dive with SPORSA
Organizations seeking a more comprehensive evaluation can complete the Special Pathogens Operational Readiness Self-Assessment (SPORSA). Designed for operational leaders and special pathogen program teams, the SPORSA evaluates multiple preparedness domains—from physical infrastructure and clinical operations to personnel management and training programs—providing a complete picture of operational readiness.
In addition to the assessment itself, organizations can access educational resources, guidance from subject matter experts, and follow-up consultation to help address opportunities for improvement.
A Recommended Pathway to Preparedness
- Complete the VHF Checklist: Start with the VHF Checklist to evaluate your ability to identify, isolate, inform and provide initial care for patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fever.
- Identify strengths and gaps: Review your VHF Checklist results to understand what’s working well and where additional assessment may be needed.
- Complete a SPORSA assessment: Take the SPORSA for a comprehensive assessment across key preparedness domains.
- Prioritize improvement activities: Use assessment findings to identify gaps and prioritize improvements.
- Update plans and protocols: Strengthen policies, procedures, and response plans based on your priorities.
- Enhance training and exercises: Build skills and confidence through training, drills, and exercises.
- Monitor progress over time: Continually evaluate progress and adjust strategies to maintain and strengthen readiness.
From Assessment to Action
Assessments are most valuable when they lead to action. By regularly evaluating preparedness and addressing identified gaps, healthcare facilities can strengthen their ability to respond effectively when special pathogen events occur.