A variety of educational materials introduce the benefits of lateral thinking/six hats techniques and apply this approach to collaborative planning for multi-agency pandemic influenza projects. The materials were developed by the Tarrant County, Texas, Advanced Practice Sessions, with funding from NACCHO and the CDC.
The sessions were conducted between hospitals and other community stakeholders to begin discussions on regional planning issues. Participants were provided scenarios on realistic and complex issues that may occur between institutions or jurisdictions. Scenarios asked participants to use the lateral thinking/six hats method to discuss: 1) how to resolve conflicting messages regarding antiviral use and allocation; 2) how to coordinate different surveillance systems between hospitals; and 3) how to resolve the issue of different alternate care site plans between jurisdictions.
The creators of these materials believe that approaching problematic aspects of pandemic planning in this way will increase the richness, creativity, and multi-dimensionality of the decision-making process. One reviewer suggested that such a time-consuming process may not be valued by traditional first responders, who may be accustomed to making quick decisions. Also, educators would need to obtain sufficient information in the lateral thinking/six hats methodology before conducting a session. Although planning and discussions would require a significant time and energy commitment, this creative approach would be helpful for local communities who require assistance in solving complex cross-cutting or inter-jurisdictional issues.
