Pandemic influenza: training in the Nîmes university hospital

The objective was to test the application of barrier precautions and hospital organization during an influenza pandemic, in accordance with the national program of influenza pandemic training and the "Influenza addendum" of the hospital guidelines in case of a major disaster. A practical exercise was performed on December 18th 2007 in two areas of high viral density and one of low viral density. This exercise involved all the people in these areas, without disturbing the normal care activity. Two hundred and forty-five people were evaluated. Seventy-five per cent of whom had been trained in the hospital. Hand hygiene complied with pre-established procedures in 32% of cases, was acceptable in 44%, and deficient in 24%. Surgical mask application was unacceptable in 21% of cases. These precautions were well accepted by 36% of the personnel, accepted by 54%, and a burden for 10%. The poor sealing capacity of mask FFP2 (national allocation), depending on facial features, its poor tolerance, the lack of water stations, and the presence of groups of people were all noted. This exercise was rated as satisfactory with a good participation. However, it revealed unexpected dysfunctions such as application of barrier precautions. Also, that the FFP2 mask was not suitable for all people, especially for children, a problem in case of a pandemic. Finally, this exercise should lead to corrective actions and to completing the various training sessions initiated in other institutions.