Points Of DispendingPoints Of DispendingLayout and DesignLayout and Design

Presented By: Gene J. Mikeska, MPH

Understanding the nature of POD components is key to maximizing flow and efficiency

Objectives:Objectives:

Define a POD

Understand the purpose of a POD

Know when a POD opens and why

Define basic POD models

Understand POD operations and organization

Identify common components of a POD

Objectives Objectives continued:continued:

Understand basic job roles in a POD

Understand basic POD flow Identify four fundamental steps POD clients

will experience at your POD Understand basic POD planning and staffing Understand core POD functions

What is a POD?What is a POD?

POD is an acronym meaning “Point of Dispensing”

They are either ADHOCK or pre-selected locations within a community

PODs dispense much needed medication, vaccine or supplies to local residents and visitors during a public health emergency

PODs can be virtually any size and may be open or closed to the general public

What is the purpose of a POD?What is the purpose of a POD?

Public health emergencies do occur:

– Natural causes (rapid and dangerous disease or significant weather event)

– Man-made cause (release of biologicals or use of explosives)

To rapidly respond and provide life saving medications, vaccines or supplies

Designed to treat large populations in a short time

Are normally locally operated and designed to work under local emergency management coordinators

When Would We Open A POD?When Would We Open A POD?

During an epidemic – H1N1 Flu 2009

Terrorist incident– Anthrax mail-out October 2001

Natural disaster – Tetanus vaccine for responders and those

returning Bastrop Fires Fall 2011

Basic POD ModelsBasic POD Models

Traditional or walk through medical model:– Used most often when time is available to use

medical staff to administer vaccine and medications

Express non-medical POD Model:– Used when there is no time to spare and large

populations must be served to safe lives

Drive through POD models:– Designed so people do not have to exit their

vehicles to be treated.

Other Models:Other Models:

Closed PODs – some jurisdictions are using closed POD systems to reduce the burden on public PODs. – Large businesses– Public infrastructure– Hospitals– Nursing homes– Home health– Jails

Other Models Continued:Other Models Continued:

Drive through PODs– Are easily done– Clients can stay in their cars– Can be used in almost any jurisdiction– Are convenient– Require more traffic control personnel– Staff are at increased danger for injury– Staff may be required to be on their feet for most

of the time.

HOW it worksHOW it works

There are four fundamental Steps Clients will complete as they go through a POD:

1.Fill out the form2.Show the form3.Pick up medication / get vaccine4.Turn in the form before they exit

Fill Out The FormFill Out The Form

When clients arrive at the POD site they will go through a registration process:– They will be provided form(s) to complete– They will be given information about the

disease, agent or exposure– They will be given information about the

medication or vaccine being offered– They may appear scared, concerned and/

or easily agitated or even sick

Show The Form:Show The Form:

Screening/Triage staff are a secondary line to screen clients for obvious signs of illness

Triage will screen forms for appropriate content

Some PODs use express/assistance tracks Staff evaluate clients particular medical

information to determine which medication will be provided

Clients will be directed to the dispensing area

Pick Up Medicine:Pick Up Medicine:

Depending on the circumstances clients may receive antibiotic medication or a vaccine

For a vaccine, each member of a household will have to see the provider in person

When medications only are given, family members can typically pick up medication for the entire family, this reduces the traffic in the POD

Turn In Form & ExitTurn In Form & Exit

Before clients exit, they turn in their forms. A staff or security member should be posted at the exit– To make sure all forms are turned in before clients depart– To keep people from entering the exit door

Workers at exit post should also be able to answer lingering questions or at very least identify who can

What Makes It Work?What Makes It Work?

A good Incident Commander / POD Manager Core staff of 6-8 well trained staff leaders Partners some 10-30 per shift Protocols Supplies and stockpile Floor plan / flow plan Support services Transportation

POD Commander & Core StaffPOD Commander & Core Staff

POD Site Commander / Manager– Command Staff

General Staff– Planning– Operations– Logistics– Finance

POD POD Core Roles or Functions:Core Roles or Functions:

Greeting

Form distribution

Triage

Medical Evaluation

Transportation Assistance

Core Functions Core Functions Continued:Continued:

Mental health evaluation

Briefing / Public Health Education

Drug triage

Dispensing medication or vaccine

Form collection

How do know if you need a How do know if you need a POD?POD?

Do you have a population? Does your County include your population in

their plan? Who is your Local Health Department? Learn the POD plan for your area Is the POD plan adequate? Do you exercise your POD plan?

Who Are Your Planning Who Are Your Planning Partners? Partners? Public Health Emergency Management Officials Health Care Professionals Law Enforcement/ Legal Community Relations Health Care system Representatives Other agencies / Volunteers / Agra-life Media

Tips for selecting A POD Location:Tips for selecting A POD Location:

Identify key partners before selecting a POD location (EMC’s, SO, LPD, PH, property owner)

Prioritize minimum needs / requirements for the POD (size, access, restrooms, docks ect…)

Select an appropriate primary and secondary facility (work out an agreement with property management)

Work with Key partners for proposed traffic flow to and from the POD

Develop your interior POD flow design

Preparedness – ResourcesPreparedness – Resources

• www.pandemicflu.gov

• www.texasprepares.org

• www.ready.gov

• www.dshs.state.tx.us

Thank YouThank You

Gene J. Mikeska, MPH

SNS Coordinator

DSHS-Region 7

gene.mikeska@dshs.state.tx.us

Business:(254) 778-6744, ext 6754

Business cell: (254) 624-9359