Early detection system aims to improve bioterror/pandemic disaster response.

While the nation may be unprepared to handle the medical aspects of disaster (see story, this page), San Diego's Sharp Memorial Hospital has completed a pilot program designed to allow early detection, then swift and efficient management of, a bioterrorist attack or major disease outbreak.

"If there's been increased activity in hospitals and doctors' offices throughout the county with patients reporting similar symptoms, but with no shared data across the county, it could be days before emergency management officials realize that an attack or epidemic has taken place," explained Donna Miranda, manager of clinical systems and a registered nurse at Sharp Memorial.

The hospital hired CliniComp International, an information solutions provider, to improve San Diego County's detection and management capabilities. "With CliniComp's solution we get real time analysis and daily surveillance reports," Miranda told EPN.

Different symptoms could presage different disasters. If large volumes of people report respiratory problems such as coughing, sore throat, and difficulty breathing, for example, they could signal the possible release of an airborne toxin. "If we see large numbers of people with GI [gastro-intestinal] problems like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, we would look into the possibility of food or water poisoning," Miranda said. "If we saw people with flu-like symptoms, we would consider pandemics."

Miranda explained that such analysis is critical because the effects of bioterrorism may not be readily apparent. "With bioterrorism, there's no plane hitting the building," she said, and certain demographics may be affected more than others. "We may see people streaming in from a particular part of town, or we may see predominately elderly people or people with weakened immune systems."

The CliniComp system allows emergency room staff to gather the necessary data to spot trends and spikes in similar symptoms without altering their day-to-day routines, said Miranda. "They would write down symptoms, take temperatures and blood pressures, and note which medications have been given. They would also include demographic information, such as age, zip code, and if the patient has ...