http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/reprint/175/11/1377
Development of a triage protocol for critical care
during an influenza pandemic
abstract :
Background: The recent outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1)
have placed a renewed emphasis on preparing for an influenza
pandemic in humans. Of particular concern in this
planning is the allocation of resources, such as ventilators
and antiviral medications, which will likely become scarce
during a pandemic.
Methods: We applied a collaborative process using best evidence,
expert panels, stakeholder consultations and ethical
principles to develop a triage protocol for prioritizing access
to critical care resources, including mechanical ventilation,
during a pandemic.
Results: The triage protocol uses the Sequential Organ Failure
Assessment score and has 4 main components: inclusion
criteria, exclusion criteria, minimum qualifications for survival
and a prioritization tool.
Interpretation: This protocol is intended to provide guidance
for making triage decisions during the initial days to weeks of
an influenza pandemic if the critical care system becomes
overwhelmed. Although we designed this protocol for use
during an influenza pandemic, the triage protocol would
apply to patients both with and without influenza, since all
patients must share a single pool of critical care resources
Development of a triage protocol for critical care
during an influenza pandemic
abstract :
Background: The recent outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1)
have placed a renewed emphasis on preparing for an influenza
pandemic in humans. Of particular concern in this
planning is the allocation of resources, such as ventilators
and antiviral medications, which will likely become scarce
during a pandemic.
Methods: We applied a collaborative process using best evidence,
expert panels, stakeholder consultations and ethical
principles to develop a triage protocol for prioritizing access
to critical care resources, including mechanical ventilation,
during a pandemic.
Results: The triage protocol uses the Sequential Organ Failure
Assessment score and has 4 main components: inclusion
criteria, exclusion criteria, minimum qualifications for survival
and a prioritization tool.
Interpretation: This protocol is intended to provide guidance
for making triage decisions during the initial days to weeks of
an influenza pandemic if the critical care system becomes
overwhelmed. Although we designed this protocol for use
during an influenza pandemic, the triage protocol would
apply to patients both with and without influenza, since all
patients must share a single pool of critical care resources