This pilot project was the first stage of a study looking to develop more effective means of providing pre-incident education and psychosocial support for health care workers in the event of a pandemic influenza

Health care organizations have been advised by the World Health Organization to prepare for widespread influenza outbreaks that could occur in the future. This project aimed to better understand health care practitioners’ needs, concerns, and stress levels related to preparing for and dealing with such an event. Participants were also asked for input on two stress management tools. The research findings point to how training and orientation programs could be improved to better prepare and support health care practitioners for potential future pandemics