This pilot study assessed changes in linkages between hospitals and key community entities related to preparedness for a bioterrorism (BT) event before and after the events of fall 2001. A 51-item questionnaire was mailed to two consecutive hospital samples scheduled for accreditation surveys (April-May 2001 and May-June 2002; n = 68 and n = 97 responses, respectively). On-site visits by surveyors verified the presence of a plan addressing bioterrorism issues.
Substantial improvement in collaborative planning for surge capacity and lab/pharmacy issues occurred. Hospital plans that addressed BT increased significantly (47.1 % to 90.7 % ), as did awareness of community BT-related plans (48.5 % to 74.2 % ). Hospitals that conducted a BT-related drill increased from 19.1 % to 48.5 % .
Adequate resources are needed, but opportunities remain to further improve collaborative planning, such as agreements with other hospitals on a single media spokesperson or development of a protocol for pharmaceutical distribution. Additional guidance is needed on expected levels of performance regarding linkages.