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Cybercare NDMs: an improved strategy for biodefense using information technologies.
Joseph M Rosen1, Eliot Grigg, Susan Mc Grath
1Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, One Hospital Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. joseph.m.rosen@hitchcock.org
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|November 13, 2004
Summary
The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) needs redesign to counter modern biological threats. Integrating information technology can create a faster, more effective disaster response system.
Area of Science:
- Disaster Medicine
- Public Health Preparedness
- Biosecurity
Background:
- The National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) was established in the early 1980s to address the disaster threats prevalent at that time.
- Contemporary threats, particularly from biological agents, are distributed, rapidly spreading, and less predictable, posing unique challenges to existing disaster response doctrines.
- Current NDMS capabilities may be insufficient to effectively manage the complexities of modern, emergent biological threats.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the inadequacy of the current National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) in addressing contemporary biological threats.
- To propose a redesign of the NDMS to effectively contain and eliminate emerging biological threats.
- To advocate for the integration of advanced information technologies and a strengthened public health system for improved disaster management.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the evolving nature of disaster threats, with a specific focus on biological agents.
- Evaluation of existing technological capabilities for coordinating distributed resources and managing containment.
- Conceptual framework development for a net-centric disaster management system.
Main Results:
- Modern threats, especially biological agents, are characterized by their distributed nature, rapid spread, and stealth, demanding a paradigm shift in response strategies.
- Existing information technologies can facilitate the coordination of distributed resources, even across containment borders.
- A strengthened public health infrastructure and a net-centric approach are crucial for an effective response.
Conclusions:
- The NDMS requires significant redesign to effectively counter the unique challenges posed by modern biological threats.
- Transitioning from an incremental, echelon-based response to an immediate, continuous response is essential.
- Incorporating inexpensive, established information technologies into the existing response system is a viable strategy for enhancing disaster management capabilities.