This course focuses of the design, management and evaluation of point of dispensing (POD) sites during major disasters. Dr. Hupert begins the course with an introduction to the flow of bio-event activation and response, and then describes ways in which computer models can better facilitate POD management. He then describes how planners can distinguish between natural variability and significant problems and asserts that as the duration of time for dispensing gets smaller, the amount of staff needed grows exponentially. Historic examples within the research literature on point of dispensing (POD) management are also discussed.

Course Objective:

The purpose of this course is to:

• Familiarize the learner with the ways in which point of dispensing sites can be effectively designed, managed and evaluated during major disasters, such as pandemics.

Key Messages:

• Point of Dispensing designers and managers need to consider using computer modeling tools to better facilitate POD throughput 
• Point of Dispensing designers and managers need to plan for realistic scenarios that include natural variability and worst case scenarios
• Point of Dispensing designers and managers need to consider external load balancing: Who is being directed to which POD?

Capabilities:

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capabilities:

• Public Health Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation
• Emergency Public Information and Warning
• Information Sharing 
• Community Preparedness

Competencies:

Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center (CDC):

• 1.3 Facilitate collaboration with internal and external emergency response partners.
• 2.3 Report information potentially relevant to the identification and control of an emergency through the chain of command.
• 3.2 Contribute expertise to the development of emergency plans
• 3.3 Participate in improving the organization's capacities (including, but not limited to program, plans, policies, laws, and workforce training).

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe 5 ways in which point of dispensing sites can be most effectively designed, managed and evaluated
• Describe how existing, free computer models can facilitate better setup, management, and evaluation of point of dispensing sites
• Describe the flow of bio-event activation and response
• Identify common mistakes when designing and managing point of dispensing sites
• Describe historic examples within the research literature on POD setup, management, and evaluation