Mass Medication Modeling in Response to Public Health Emergencies
- 1 January 2007
- journal article
- Published by Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) in Journal of Public Health Management & Practice
- Vol. 13 (1), 7-15
- https://doi.org/10.1097/00124784-200701000-00003
Abstract
This article presents the outcomes of a full-scale training exercise utilizing a drive-thru clinic model for dispensing of Strategic National Stockpile medication. The Hawaii Department of Health developed a clinic design for vehicles based on previous exercises and research on sample throughput rates. The streamlined model selected includes a triage area near the entrance and consecutive stations for the public to register, have an evaluation for drug contradictions, and receive the medication. During the 2-hour exercise held in April 2005, a total of 622 patients were processed in their vehicles for an overall rate of 5.2 persons per minute. Although patient services were reduced in comparison to current walk-in clinic models, the public was able to receive prophylactic medication in a timely manner with a high rate of accuracy and minimal human-to-human contact. These results demonstrate that local health departments, particularly in rural areas, can provide essential medications, vaccinations, or rations through a drive-thru clinic, thus limiting morbidity and mortality during a public health emergency.Keywords
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