Results From An Effective TableTop Exercise: Lessons for Public Health Professionals

Introduction: The only way to test bioterrorism (BT) response plans is by exercising them. However, exercises are difficult to plan due to costs involved and coordinating the numerous and various groups that must participate.

Methods: Nassau County Department of Health conducted a countywide one-day tabletop exercise in August 2002. The exercise was divided into two parts: a half-day introduction to format and participating groups/agencies and a half-day tabletop exercise. Hospital representatives were divided into four specialty groups: Infection Control, Administration, Security and Emergency Department. Public health professionals (PHP) participated in all groups. Three modules were presented and each group discussed each module separately then as a whole. Results from each specialty were written into group after-action reports and all results were collated into a comprehensive after-action report document.

Results: Participants' perceptions of groups/agencies' roles and functions varied greatly. The exercise clarified individuals' and groups' roles, enhanced communication between facilities and public health, and identified available resources in the community. All groups expressed a willingness to share resources, including medications, medical supplies, information and data gathering tools. Participants learned a great deal about public health and other facilities' procedures and how they and their facility fit into the community plan. Triage, resource allocation, coordination, communication, and media issues were emphasized.

Conclusions: The tabletop exercise was a huge success due to participation of all groups/agencies. Participants stated that they felt more comfortable with their facility and community-wide plans following the exercise. All PHP's could benefit from organizing and participating in similar exercises.