Infection prevention in points of dispensing

Background: Community-based points of dispensing (POD) will be used during disasters to distribute mass quantities of anti-infective therapy/prophylaxis and/or vaccination to an entire community in a short period of time. Without proper planning, staff training, and implementation of infection prevention strategies, disease transmission is possible in PODs. The purpose of this paper is to outline infection prevention recommendations for PODs. Methods: A literature review and Internet search were conducted in April 2009. A spreadsheet was created that delineated infection prevention issues in PODs that were identified by each source. Infection prevention recommendations were divided into themes/domains for simplification and clarity. Results: Thirty-one articles, planning documents/reports, and Web-based training programs were identified and screened. Of these, 19 were deemed relevant: 8 were journals articles; and 11 were published reports, planning documents, and/or training programs. Infection prevention themes for PODs identified in the literature included (1) planning for infection prevention in PODs, (2) screening and triage of visitors, (3) using personal protective equipment, (4) implementing hand hygiene, (4) following food and water safety, (5) performing environmental decontamination, (6) communicating and training staff and visitors, and (7) having occupational health protocols. Conclusion: Infection prevention in PODs is important to prevent communicable disease spread. This article can assist emergency managers in developing an infection prevention program for PODs.