The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ) portfolio of bioterrorism research is a natural outgrowth of AHRQ's ongoing efforts to develop evidence-based information aimed at improving the quality of the U.S. health care system. This work is a critical component of the larger initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop public health programs to combat bioterrorism.
Projects and activities comprising AHRQ's comprehensive bioterrorism preparedness portfolio are designed to assess and enhance the interface between the clinical care delivery system and public health infrastructure.
Expanding Surge Capacity through Use of Former (Shuttered or Converted) Hospitals
Institution: Abt Associates
Award: IDSRN Contract No. 290-00-0003-8
Period: 06/14/2004-06/13/2005
Funding: $424,804
Description: Abt Associated, with Partners™ HealthCare, will be developing a guidebook for preparedness planners considering the conversion of existing buildings, specifically former inpatient hospitals, into temporary hospitals for low-acuity patients. State regulations that may impact such conversions are being examined since regulatory issues are important components for consideration in this type of emergency surge capacity expansion.
Standardized 'Real Time' National Hospital Bed Availability and Patient Tracking System
Institution: Denver Health
Award: IDSRN Contract No. 290-00-0014-8
Period: 06/01/2004-06/30/2005
Funding: $692,585
Description: A real-time electronic hospital bed and patient tracking/monitoring system is being developed under this contract. The overall aim of this project is to provide a system of standardized information across the nation to enhance a system/region's ability to care for a surge of patients resulting from a public health emergency or catastrophic event.
Exploring the Special Needs and Potential Role of Nursing Homes in Surge Capacity for Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies
Institution: RTI, Inc.
Award: IDSRN Contract No. 290-00-0018-10
Period: 07/09/2004-07/8/2005
Funding: $394,581
Description: This project examines the potential role of nursing homes in addressing a community's surge capacity needs precipitated by a bioterrorist event or a public health emergency. Expected products include: an atlas displaying the geographic variation of nursing homes in the U.S.; a case studies series highlighting the special needs and roles of nursing homes in surge capacity planning and; a refined needs assessment tool that could be used to incorporate nursing homes into regional preparedness strategies.
Health Care System Preparedness and Surge Capacity for Bioterrorism and Public Health Emergencies
Institution: Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Award: IDSRN Contract No. 290-00-0013-8
Period: 08/01/2004-07/31/2005
Funding: $482,081
Description: This contractor will be developing a planning guide for expanding regional response capacity through inter-hospital collaboration. The guide will include a computer-based planning model that incorporates system surge capacity requirements, costs, and outcomes for regional plans.
Current as of September 2004
Internet Citation:
AHRQ Bioterrorism Preparedness Research Portfolio: Fiscal Years 2004-05. September 2004. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/btport05.htm
Return to Public Health Preparedness
Research Findings
AHRQ Home Page
Department of Health and Human Services