The most effective way to assess emergency preparedness for an influx of patients with viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is through tabletop exercises or full-scale drills. These exercises simulate real-life scenarios, allowing hospitals to test protocols, identify weaknesses, and improve response efforts.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect?
* A. Meet frequently with emergency management professionals - While important, meetings alone do not provide hands-on testing of preparedness.
* B. Conduct regular rounding in the Emergency Department - Rounding helps with policy compliance, but does not test the entire emergency response plan.
* D. Collaborate to assess the availability of supplies and PPE - This is one component of preparedness but does not evaluate the facility's response in real-time.
CBIC Infection Control Reference
APIC recommends full-scale emergency drills as the gold standard for assessing preparedness for emerging infectious diseases.