In 2003, SARS became a global epidemic that severely tested Taiwan 's capabilities for medical crisis management. In response, the Taiwan government established the National Health Command Center (NHCC), a well-equipped communications facility designed to coordinate between officials at all levels and provide decision makers with critical information on medical crises.
The NHCC, based in the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is a component of a unified central command system that includes the Central Epidemic Command Center , Biological Pathogen Center , Counter Bio-terrorism Command Center and Central Medical Disaster Emergency Center . This joint framework serves as a comprehensive means for preventing major epidemics.
Framework/（Victory through Perfect Teamwork）
The success of NHCC hinges upon state of the art technology and urgent medical information integration, as well as a complete command system blueprint. To work toward this goal, the NHCC planning team established standard operation procedures (SOP) that incorporate elements of the U.S. Incident Command System and the SARS Command System SOP.
In terms of operational framework, NHCC is designed to coordinate with district, regional and central government officials. When the scale of a disaster warrants action, NHCC will set up a crisis command center with a designated chief commander. The job of the chief commander is to form task forces, decide on the level of government involvement, and once the crisis has been brought under control, propose to officials to disband the crisis command center.
Organizational Layout /（Resources at the Ready）
The NHCC, based in the CDC, houses the following units: Coordination Center , Epidemic Intelligence Center(EIC) Room, Commander Office, Administrator Office, Conference Room, Media Watch Room, Operation Room, Data Room, Utility Room, Records Room, Lounge and remaining office space. This organizational design will engender effective coordination and operations.
Facility Designs /（Technology on the Frontlines）
Epidemic prevention attains maximum effectiveness when assisted with information technology. Using cutting edge technology equipment and an advanced communications network, the NHCC plays a vital role in relaying up-to-date crisis information and analyses for decision-making.
Videoconferencing: Conduct Internet
videoconferences on large screen TVs, communicating with domestic authorities and governments worldwide.
Media reception and satellite communication:
Provides a constant flow of first hand information.
Communication system framework: Integrates
NHCC phone networks and maintains accessible hotlines to each command center.
Environment control and AV equipment:
Multiple high-tech visual media sources provide decision makers with up-to-date information.
Hardware control integration platform:
Allows managers to effectively control visual media displays, videoconference settings and network configuration.
Alternate site support:
Activated in the event that forces beyond our control result in the loss of operational capabilities.
Information Integration/Information Integration
The collection and integration of up-to-date information is the key to winning the war on an epidemic. Hence, an important goal of the NHCC is to set up a smooth information exchange and complete information platform.
Inter-departmental information platform:
Initially will utilize an information framework consisting of CDC's existing platforms, such as the “Epidemic Bulletin Board System”, “Epidemic Location Information System” and “SARS Hospitalized Cases Report and Management System”.
From this framework, the NHCC commander receives integrated data regarding 6 infectious diseases (SARS, Anthrax, Dengue Fever, Influenza, Bacillary Dysentery and Tuberculosis), counter bio-terrorism intelligence as well as medical resources and logistics for prompt decision-making. Future plans call for the incremental development of epidemic prevention/ management software.
Decision support analysis software:
Spotfire
Powerful analysis capabilities allow this software to process copious quantities of data, placing meaningful information at decision makers' fingertips.
Meetings and Follow-up Evaluation
Management System:
Provides medical crisis meetings with the means for automatic reporting and follow-up management.
Vision/（The Power of Uniting as One）
In the post-SARS era, we are employing modern technology, smooth data exchange systems, and complete information platforms to achieve the 3 “I”s: Initiation, Integration and Innovation that will enable NHCC to successfully respond to any medical crisis and guard the health of the nation. Furthermore, it is our hope that government efforts to improve coordination will raise the people's level of epidemic prevention awareness, and create a better tomorrow for the whole nation.
