“Public Health Investigation”: A pilot, multi-county, electronic infectious disease exercise

Introduction Funding increases after September 11, 2001 have provided impetus to improve public health emergency preparedness plans. Training of local health department staff and coordination between counties are important components of these plans. Electronic media have been used to facilitate diss...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of infection control 2007-08, Vol.35 (6), p.382-386
Main Authors: Ablah, Elizabeth, PhD, MPH, Nickels, Debbie, RNC, BSN, Hodle, Amanda, MPH, Wolfe, Deborah J., BA, Orr, Shirley, MHS, ARNP, CNAA, Tenbrink, Jerry, BA, Ploger-McCool, Terri, MS, MEP, Snethen, Edie, MS, Molgaard, Craig A., PhD, MPH
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Communication
Computer Simulation
Disaster Planning - methods
Disaster Planning - organization & administration
Disease Outbreaks - prevention & control
Education
Epidemiology. Vaccinations
General aspects
Humans
Infection Control
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases
Internet
Kansas
Local Government
Medical sciences
Pilot Projects
Public Health - manpower
Public Health Practice
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Summary:Introduction Funding increases after September 11, 2001 have provided impetus to improve public health emergency preparedness plans. Training of local health department staff and coordination between counties are important components of these plans. Electronic media have been used to facilitate dissemination of training, and a need for evaluation has been identified. Methods Public Health Investigation (PHI) was conducted in 6 Kansas counties during February 2005 in an electronic, in-office format. The quantitative evaluation consisted of pre- and postsurveys. Questions measured self-reported improvements in 4 areas: surge capacity, coordination between counties, risk communication, and protocols and procedures. Results Although all 4 areas showed improvement, 2 showed statistically significant improvement. At the postsurvey, participants reported significantly improved abilities to (1) participate in a coordinated, multidisciplinary response to an infectious disease outbreak ( P = .003) and (2) identify the need for and implement surge capacity ( P = .017). Conclusions Increased collaboration between counties and partner agencies may be the greatest strength of PHI, a multi-county, real-time exercise. This format strengthens regional bonds and is cost-effective. The PHI may be a useful model for other states wishing to use a regional approach for training, thereby strengthening regional bonds.
ISSN:0196-6553
1527-3296
DOI:10.1016/j.ajic.2006.08.007