Challenges of Designing and Implementing High Consequence Infectious Disease Response

High-consequence infectious diseases: the conception and development of a multi-disciplinary, interprofessional simulation training programme

BACKGROUND

High-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) represent a group of acute infectious diseases with the potential to impact healthcare systems and public health profoundly. Effective management requires a system-based strategy focused on early detection, initiation of infection prevention and control measures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Inadequate training in the safe use of HCID PPE, and lack of familiarity with key processes such as HCID waste and spills management, exacerbates the risk posed to healthcare workers (HCWs). Enhanced training opportunities are required to ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge and capabilities to protect themselves from pathogen exposure and infection.

AIM

To create a bespoke interprofessional HCID simulation training programme.

METHODS

A detailed learning needs analysis was undertaken, which identified multiple areas amenable to educational intervention. A full-day HCID simulation programme was developed, providing HCWs the opportunity to practice and gain proficiency in various domains.

FINDINGS

Six interprofessional participants took part in the HCID simulation programme pilot. All six (100%) participants felt that the stated learning objectives had been achieved, and five and one participants found the programme to be extremely useful (83%) or very useful (17%), respectively. Following refinement based on pilot feedback, a further six courses have been run for 38 participants, of whom 97% found the programme to be extremely useful or very useful.

CONCLUSION

The development of a training intervention in the low-frequency, high-risk field of HCIDs had a positive impact. Given the disproportionate impact on HCWs at times of HCID outbreaks, more investment is needed to keep the workforce upskilled.

Interorganizational Coordination and Collaboration During the 2015 MERS-CoV Response in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the way organizations were involved in the response to the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV, MERS) outbreak that occurred in Korea in 2015.

DATA AND METHODS

We collected organizational network data through a content analysis of online news articles and the government's white paper. Social network analysis was used to analyze the key organizations and their connections in crucial response tasks.

RESULTS

Three national health authorities (Central MERS Management Headquarters [CMMH], Korea Centers for Disease Control [KCDC], Ministry of Health and Welfare [MOHW]) led the response. CMMH, which did not appear in the government's response plans, played a significant role in all 3 networks. KCDC also was involved in all 3 networks, but was most prominent in the laboratory testing network. MOHW appeared only in the patient management network. Each health authority coordinated and collaborated with distinctive types of organizations in the networks, but unclear lines of responsibilities also were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that the roles and responsibilities of health authorities at the national level were fragmented and lacked clarity. Public health emergency preparedness must consider carefully the way to establish collaborative response systems.