The Pandemic Scenario Tabletop Exercise is an active-learning, paper-based simulation designed to prepare healthcare learners for participation in coordinated emergency response during an infectious disease pandemic. Using a staged avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak scenario, participants work through evolving public health developments that require clinical, ethical, logistical, and systems-based decision making. The exercise emphasizes implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) within healthcare and community settings and highlights the importance of interagency communication, surveillance enhancement, and pandemic planning. Through facilitated small- and large-group discussion, learners practice transitioning to structured emergency management frameworks while addressing real-world constraints such as delayed vaccine availability and resource allocation.
Target Learners
- Medical students
- Resident physicians
- Practicing physicians
- Other healthcare professionals involved in emergency preparedness or public health response
- Interprofessional learners participating in disaster planning initiatives
Equipment / Materials Needed
- Printed learner handouts for each tabletop stage
- Facilitator/instructor guide
- Incident Command System (ICS) presentation materials (e.g., PowerPoint slides)
- Meeting space suitable for:
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- Large-group briefing
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- Small-group breakout discussions
- Writing materials (e.g., flip charts, markers, or note paper)
- Optional: audiovisual capability for presentation of ICS overview or scenario media
Estimated Time to Complete Activity
- Standalone tabletop exercise: ~2 hours
- May be incorporated into a longer emergency preparedness workshop depending on curricular needs