Assessing Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity Using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response Methodology: Portsmouth, Virginia, 2013

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie M. Kurkjian ◽  
Michelle Winz ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
Kate Corvese ◽  
Ana Colón ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Public Health Emergency Response ◽  
Household Preparedness ◽  
Evacuation Plan ◽  
Virginia Department

AbstractObjectiveFor the past decade, emergency preparedness campaigns have encouraged households to meet preparedness metrics, such as having a household evacuation plan and emergency supplies of food, water, and medication. To estimate current household preparedness levels and to enhance disaster response planning, the Virginia Department of Health with remote technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a community health assessment in 2013 in Portsmouth, Virginia.MethodsUsing the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology with 2-stage cluster sampling, we randomly selected 210 households for in-person interviews. Households were questioned about emergency planning and supplies, information sources during emergencies, and chronic health conditions.ResultsInterview teams completed 180 interviews (86%). Interviews revealed that 70% of households had an emergency evacuation plan, 67% had a 3-day supply of water for each member, and 77% had a first aid kit. Most households (65%) reported that the television was the primary source of information during an emergency. Heart disease (54%) and obesity (40%) were the most frequently reported chronic conditions.ConclusionsThe Virginia Department of Health identified important gaps in local household preparedness. Data from the assessment have been used to inform community health partners, enhance disaster response planning, set community health priorities, and influence Portsmouth’s Community Health Improvement Plan. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:193–198)

Evaluating Perceived Emergency Preparedness and Household Preparedness Behaviors: Results from a CASPER Survey in Fairfax, Virginia

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-228
Author(s):  
Rennie W. Ferguson ◽  
Shawn Kiernan ◽  
Ernst W. Spannhake ◽  
Benjamin Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Household Level ◽  
Perceived Preparedness ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Public Health Emergency Response ◽  
Household Preparedness ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTObjectives:Using data collected from a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) conducted in Fairfax Health District, Virginia, in 2016, we sought to assess the relationship between household-level perceived preparedness and self-reported preparedness behaviors.Methods:Weighted population estimates and 95% confidence intervals were reported, and Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to investigate differences by group.Results:Examining responses to how prepared respondents felt their household was to handle a large-scale emergency or disaster, an estimated 7.4% of respondents (95% CI: 4.3–12.3) reported that their household was “completely prepared,” 37.3% (95% CI: 31.4–43.7) were “moderately prepared,” 38.2% (95% CI: 31.6–45.2) were “somewhat prepared,” and 14.4% (95% CI: 10.2–20.0) were “unprepared.” A greater proportion of respondents who said that their household was “completely” or “moderately” prepared for an emergency reported engaging in several behaviors related to preparedness. However, for several preparedness behaviors, there were gaps between perceived preparedness and self-reported readiness.Conclusions:Community assessments for public health preparedness can provide valuable data about groups who may be at risk during an emergency due to a lack of planning and practice, despite feeling prepared to handle a large-scale emergency or disaster.

scholarly journals 18.H. Workshop: Bringing evidence during public health emergencies: addressing the challenge through HTA

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Emergency Preparedness And Response ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Abstract Evidence-based decision-making is central to public health. Implementing evidence-informed actions is most challenging during a public health emergency as in an epidemic, when time is limited, scientific uncertainties and political pressures tend to be high, and irrefutable evidence may be lacking. The process of including evidence in public health decision-making and for evidence-informed policy, in preparation, and during public health emergencies, is not systematic and is complicated by many barriers as the absences of shared tools and approaches for evidence-based preparedness and response planning. Many of today's public health crises are also cross-border, and countries need to collaborate in a systematic and standardized way in order to enhance interoperability and to implement coordinated evidence-based response plans. To strengthen the impact of scientific evidence on decision-making for public health emergency preparedness and response, it is necessary to better define mechanisms through which interdisciplinary evidence feeds into decision-making processes during public health emergencies and the context in which these mechanisms operate. As a multidisciplinary, standardized and evidence-based decision-making tool, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) represents and approach that can inform public health emergency preparedness and response planning processes; it can also provide meaningful insights on existing preparedness structures, working as bridge between scientists and decision-makers, easing knowledge transition and translation to ensure that evidence is effectively integrated into decision-making contexts. HTA can address the link between scientific evidence and decision-making in public health emergencies, and overcome the key challenges faced by public health experts when advising decision makers, including strengthening and accelerating knowledge transfer through rapid HTA, improving networking between actors and disciplines. It may allow a 360° perspective, providing a comprehensive view to decision-making in preparation and during public health emergencies. The objective of the workshop is to explore and present how HTA can be used as a shared and systematic evidence-based tool for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, in order to enable stakeholders and decision makers taking actions based on the best available evidence through a process which is systematic and transparent. Key messages There are many barriers and no shared mechanisms to bring evidence in decision-making during public health emergencies. HTA can represent the tool to bring evidence-informed actions in public health emergency preparedness and response.

Learning Outcome Measurement in Nurse Participants After Disaster Training

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 728-733
Author(s):  
Sharon L. Farra ◽  
Sherrill Smith ◽  
Marie A Bashaw
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Homeland Security ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Learning Framework ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Disaster Training ◽  
National Disaster

AbstractObjectiveThe National Disaster Health Consortium is an interprofessional disaster training program. Using the Hierarchical Learning Framework of Competency Sets in Disaster Medicine and Public Health, this program educates nurses and other professionals to provide competent care and leadership within the interprofessional team. This study examined outcomes of this training.MethodsTraining consisted of a combination of online and on-site training. Learning outcomes were measured by using the Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire (EPIQ) pre/post training and participant performance during live functional exercises with the use of rubrics based on Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation principles.ResultsA total of 64 participants completed the EPIQ before and after training. The mean EPIQ pre-training score of 154 and mean post-training score of 81 (reverse-scored) was found to be statistically significant by paired t-test (P<0.001). Performance was evaluated in the areas of triage, re-triage, surge response, and sheltering. Greater than 90% of the exercise criteria were either met or partially met. Participants successfully achieved overall objectives in all scenarios.ConclusionsDisaster response requires nurses and other providers to function in interprofessional teams. Educational projects, like the National Disaster Health Consortium program, offer the potential to address the need for a standardized, interprofessional disaster training curriculum to promote positive outcomes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;page 1 of 6)

scholarly journals Exploring the Ethical Dimensions of All-Hazards Public Health Emergency Preparedness in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s20-s20
Author(s):  
Alexa Caturay ◽  
Tracey O’Sullivan ◽  
Jennifer Gibson ◽  
Alison Thompson ◽  
Yasmin Khan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Emergency Situation ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Ethical Implications ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness

Introduction:With increasing disaster risks from extreme weather, climate change, and emerging infectious diseases, the public health system plays a crucial role in community health protection. The disproportionate impacts of disaster risks demonstrate the need to consider ethics and values in public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) activities. Established PHEP frameworks from many countries do not integrate ethics into operational approaches.Aim:To explore the ethical dimensions of all-hazards public health emergency preparedness in Canada.Methods:A qualitative study design was employed to explore key questions relating to PHEP. Six focus groups, using the Structured Interview Matrix (SIM) format, were held across Canada with 130 experts from local, provincial, or federal levels, with an emphasis on local/regional public health. An inductive approach to content analysis was used to develop emergent themes, and iteratively examined based on the literature. This paper presents analyses examining the dimensions of ethics and values that emerged from the focus group discussions.Results:Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of four themes. The themes highlight the importance of proactive consideration of values in PHEP planning: challenges in balancing competing priorities, the need for transparency around decision-making, and consideration for how emergencies impact both individuals and communities.Discussion:Lack of consideration for the ethical dimensions of PHEP in operational frameworks can have important implications for communities. If decisions are made ad-hoc during an evolving emergency situation, the ethical implications may increase the risk for some populations, and lead to compromised trust in the PHEP system. The key findings from this study may be useful in influencing PHEP practice and policy to incorporate fairness and values at the core of PHEP to ensure readiness for emergencies with community health impacts.

In Preparation or Response: Examining Health Care Coalitions Amid a Changing Economic and Political Landscape

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 698-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark E. Dornauer
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Community Health Centers ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
Political Landscape ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Operations Capabilities

ABSTRACTThe Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the US Department of Health and Human Services leads the nation in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from the adverse health effects of public health emergencies, in part through formal collaborations between hospitals, health systems, community health centers, public health departments, and community organizations via health care coalitions (HCCs). HCCs endeavor to meet the medical surge demands inherent to disasters and to improve health outcomes before, during, and after public health emergencies. Nevertheless, significant changes in health economics and policy can impact the operations, capabilities, and scope of HCCs. Specifically, hospital consolidation and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) are altering the national health care landscape, as well as the emergency preparedness sector, and are challenging HCCs to adapt to large-scale, industry-wide transformations. This article examines HCCs in the context of the developments of hospital consolidation and the ACA in order to facilitate future discourse regarding the strategy and policy of HCCs amid a changing economic and political landscape. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:698–703)

Developing an instrument to measure household radiological emergency preparedness using the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology: An evidence-informed approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 293-305
Author(s):  
Rennie W. Ferguson, DrPH, MHS ◽  
Daniel J. Barnett, MD, MPH ◽  
Ryan David Kennedy, PhD ◽  
Tara Kirk Sell, PhD, MA ◽  
Jessica S. Wieder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Management ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Survey Instrument ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Community Assessment ◽  
Radiological Emergency ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Public Health Emergency Response

Introduction: Community assessments to measure emergency preparedness can inform policies, planning, and communication to the public to improve readiness and response if an emergency was to occur. Public health and emergency management officials need an effective assessment tool to measure community preparedness for a radiological emergency. Methods: The authors created a survey instrument to collect data on household radiological emergency preparedness that could be implemented using the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology, developed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To inform the development of the tool, the authors examined existing CASPER surveys, focusing on identifying best practices for creating a survey instrument, as well as analyzing the results of a survey of radiation preparedness experts and state/local health and emergency management officials. Results: The developed survey tool includes 32 questions covering four domains: communication in an emergency, preparedness planning, physical/behavioral health, and demographics. The instrument captures information related to identified barriers in communicating in a radiological emergency as well as self-reported behaviors that could potentially be influenced through awareness and education.Discussion: Using the proposed survey instrument and following the existing rapid assessment methodology provided by CASPER, public health and emergency management agencies can collect valuable information on the radiation preparedness needs of their communities, which can then be used to improve household readiness for an emergency.

scholarly journals (A169) Strategic National Stockpile: American Preparedness to a Domestic Biological Attack

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s59-s59
Author(s):  
A.E. Piombino
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Us ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Public Health Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Strategic National Stockpile

This session offers an overview of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI), including CHEM PACK. Managed by the US Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “push-packs” of this critical federal cache of pharmaceuticals and medical materiel are at sites located throughout the country. The CDC's CRI is a federally funded program designed to compliment the SNS and enhance preparedness in the nation's largest cities and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) where more than 50% of the US population resides. Through CRI, state and large metropolitan public health departments continue refining plans to respond to a large-scale bioterrorism attack by dispensing antibiotics to the entire population of an identified MSA with 48 hours. The SNS Technical Assistance Review (TAR) will be reviewed, as well as best practices and lessons learned from successful public health emergency preparedness and response programs throughout the US.

Monitoring the Health of Public Health Responders: Development and Use of the Responder Safety, Tracking, and Resilience System (R-STaR) for Hurricane Matthew

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alezandria K. Turner ◽  
Laura Edison ◽  
Karl Soetebier ◽  
Wendy Smith ◽  
Cherie Drenzek
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Mobile Platforms ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Response Planning ◽  
Survey Responses

ABSTRACTOn October 7, 2016, Hurricane Matthew traveled along the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina causing flooding and power outages. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) developed the Web-based Responder Safety, Tracking, and Resilience (R-STaR) system to monitor the health and safety of public health responders and to inform disaster response planning for Hurricane Matthew. Using R-STaR, responders (n = 126) were e-mailed a daily survey while deployed to document injuries or harmful exposures and a post-deployment survey on their post-deployment health and satisfaction with using R-STaR. DPH epidemiologists contacted responders reporting injuries or exposures to determine the need for medical care. Frequencies were tabulated for quantitative survey responses, and qualitative data were summarized into key themes. Five percent (6/126) of responders reported injuries, and 81% (43/53) found R-STaR easy to use. Suggestions for R-STaR improvement included improving accessibility using mobile platforms and conducting pre-event training of responders on R-STaR. Lessons learned from R-STaR development and evaluation can inform the development and improvement of responder health surveillance systems at other local and state health departments and disaster and emergency response agencies. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:74–81).

scholarly journals Hospital Preparedness and Resilience in Public Health Emergencies at District Hospitals and Community Health Centres

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-156
Author(s):  
Sandesh Kumar Sharma ◽  
Neeraj Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Community Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Community Health Centres ◽  
Public Health Emergencies ◽  
District Hospitals ◽  
Health Centres ◽  
Hospital Preparedness

Background: Public health emergencies (PHE) caused by natural hazards spread from one particular locality to adjacent geographic areas and then encompass the entire planet in today’s fast global connectivity mode. Each country, including India, has its own set of potential disasters based on the hazards present as well as the unique vulnerabilities of the community and community’s preparedness to respond to particular disasters. Currently, human history is observing a very critical time fighting an invisible enemy—COVID-19. Therefore, in this study, we seek to understand the standardised measures of public hospital preparedness and resilience at times of health emergencies, including a pandemic, the most current one being COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study among health officials of district hospitals (DHs) and community health centres (CHCs) of Rajasthan using a semi-structured online questionnaire, with COVID-19 in mind, and sending it to those who had attended a training programme on disaster preparedness in hospitals. Results: In all, questionnaires were sent to 80 health officials of DHs and CHCs, of which 58 responded, with a response rate of 72.5 per cent. We collected responses on public health emergency preparedness, training-related issues, the capacity to deal with emergencies and prior experience in managing an emergency. Conclusion: The resilience and preparedness of DHs and CHCs in Rajasthan appear to be limited. From the studies it has been revealed that proper training and education on disasters like the current COVID-19, which is of significant importance for healthcare workers, is limited to only 37.9 per cent of healthcare workers. It also emerges that the staff members whenever required could mark and perform in the triage area, but the Isolation room haven’t got the request facilities and equipped to stabilise a critical patient despite availability of emergency stock of medicine. The stated functional status of DHs and CHCs reveals that the level of emergency preparedness is between low and medium and also varies from hospital to hospital and from CHC to CHC. Hence, it is time to reassess and upgrade emergency preparedness plans, which include mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Federal-, state- and local-level emergency management agencies’ functioning has to be effective and well-coordinated with the local level of operation.

scholarly journals (A62) Real World Event Data Collection and Analysis for after Action Reporting

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S1) ◽  
pp. s17-s18
Author(s):  
J. Schlegelmilch ◽  
J. Paturas ◽  
R. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Homeland Security ◽  
Real World ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Response Evaluation ◽  
Department Of Homeland Security ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Response Information

BackgroundIn response to recent real world events impacting public health and medical services, The Yale New Have Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNH-CEPDR) has developed a methodology for collection and analysis for after action reporting of response operation effectiveness. This process has been implemented to multiple real-world events including the 2009/2010 H1N1 response activities. This method utilizes the US Department of Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) doctrine for the collection of response information, analysis and development of After Action Reports.ObjectivesIn this session, participants will be introduced to data collection methods that include a combination of onsite response evaluation by subject matter experts applying a set of established operational response objectives, targeted web-based surveys collecting both qualitative and quantitative data regarding public health and medical staff opinions regarding response operations and achievement of objectives. Also introduced will be focus group interviews to determine response successes, opportunities and recommendations for improvement. This session will also provide an overview on the utilization of additional data sources including situational status reports, press releases, incident action plans and meeting minutes. In additional to providing a framework for developing a comprehensive After Action Report for a real-world response, this process can yield data that can be used to enhance ongoing response operations as well as to support anticipated response operations, such as applying lessons from one pandemic wave to the next. During the session, participants will be provided an opportunity to discuss their process for evaluating real-world events and to identify how this methodology can be integrated into their organization's response evaluation activities.

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