| Many countries would not be prepared today if they were hit with an influenza pandemic. The current state of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning appears to vary at all levels as some plans are complete, some are not, and some surprisingly are still in the early stages. Unless countries develop model Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans, the consequences of being unprepared could be devastating to all of humankind. This study identified Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning involves developing a plan in the event of the emergence of an influenza virus that causes serious illness and is spread easily and is sustainable among humans. Once the World Health Organization (WHO) issues a pandemic influenza alert, all countries should be prepared. Currently, there is a scarcity of research that supports comprehensive CSFs as it relates to Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. This study investigated the CSFs necessary at all levels (local, state, and national) to achieve model Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. In addition to identifying the CSFs, a second objective was to increase the awareness and the current knowledge of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. Data was collected through surveys, interviews, and benchmarking methods. The researcher surveyed a panel of experts to identify critical success factors in Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning.;The goal of identifying CSFs is to provide those factors to countries as well as authorities on a local, state, and national level in order to develop model Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plans. These CSFs will be helpful in creating model plans as well as further enhancing current plans.;Several CSFs were identified during the survey, interview, and benchmark data collection process. They included the following: strong leadership support, plan development, having logical response plans, exercising plans, clear operations and implementation policies, adequate budget/resources, effective public communications and outreach, and staff training. All sources studied agreed and shared in common that having clear operations and implementation policies, staff training, plan development, effective public communication and outreach, and logical response plans are important CSFs for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning.;There are clearly benefits to providing CSFs for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. Being prepared can save the lives of millions around the world and as well as reduce economic and social impact. This study and the identification of CSFs for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning will add to the pool of research on model Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Planning. |
