Pandemic Influenza--Past, Present, Future: Communicating Today Based on the Lessons from the 1918-1919 Influenza Pandemic

Appendix E: Audience Feedback

Participants were asked to provide feedback about the workshop, in terms of what would be most helpful to them when continuing pandemic preparedness efforts. They were also asked to list additional topics they would like to see addressed in the future when discussing pandemic preparedness and were given an opportunity to provide additional comments. A representative summary of their responses follows.

What topics were discussed today that will be most helpful to you when continuing your pandemic preparedness efforts?

• The workshop highlighted some of the smaller issues (day-to-day activities) that were impacted by the pandemic.
• I appreciated the historical perspective.
• The comparison and contrast of society in 1918 and present.
• The context on pandemics of the past was helpful.
• The characteristics and communication that occurred during the first wave in 1918.
• Learning about mortality rates from 1918 were helpful benchmarks to keep in mind in trying to imagine how a pandemic would affect life today.
• How a pandemic will impact modern society.
• The effects of influenza on the society, individuals, economy, and infrastructure.
• The discussion concerning risk communication and the public’s trust in the government’s (both local and federal) response.
• The discussion about coordinating messages and efforts.

Please list some additional topics that you would like to see addressed in the future when discussing pandemic preparedness.

• Mental health preparedness and psychological assistance.
• Information on two-way communication, such as text messaging.
• Notification procedures and roles of government levels.
• Consistent key messaging.
• Templates for action for smaller and less-staffed health departments.
• Having a speaker (maybe a sociologist) specifically address social issues such as changes in volunteer organizations, women working outside the home, and the implications for day care, etc.
• Public education efforts.
• Information for children.
• Information on specific industries that will be impacted the most.
• The role of media during a pandemic.
• Vaccine development and supply.

Additional Comments

• Thank you. Excellent!
• Good mix of presenters and different but cohesive perspectives.
• Excellent speakers with pertinent knowledge.
• Thought-provoking!