FluSurge - A tool to estimate demand for hospital services during the next pandemic influenza

Purpose. To assess the impact of pandemic influenza on hospital services. Methods. Based on census data and estimates of hospital resources (non-ICU [intensive care unit] beds, ICU beds, and mechanical ventilators) in a given area, FluSurge software estimates the number of hospital admissions and deaths due to pandemic influenza under variable duration and virulence scenarios and compares hospital resources needed during a pandemic with existing hospital resources. Results. Sample results from Metropolitan Atlanta illustrate how the next influenza pandemic may overwhelm existing hospital resources, given that hospitals increasingly operate at nearly full capacity. Conclusions. Hospitals need to consider and plan for a surge in demand for hospital services during the next influenza pandemic.