Both home care and hospice will undoubtedly play a central role in combating a pandemic. The home care community played a vital role in the 1918 epidemic and will be critical in managing a current pandemic. Major advances in technology offer more effective ways to care those infected and manage outbreaks. Experts will discuss what home care and technology companies can do to prepare.

SHARON DEZZANI MARTIN: Avian Flu: Should We Worry in Home Health Care?
Objectives:

Cite ways in which home care can plan effectively.

List critical elements of home care staff education.

HONORABLE TOMMY THOMPSON: The state of health in America as we plan for a pandemic
Objectives:

Identify age group potentially most affected by a severe form of avian flu.

Describe recommendations of a 2001 pandemic conference of infectious disease experts

BARBARA CITARELLA: Role of Home Care in pandemic preparedness
Objectives:

Discuss role of home care as a primary responder in event of a pandemic

State needs of home care providers in order to prepare for a pandemic