Use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Response (CASPER) Method by Public Health Agencies in Texas, 2001-2015

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 680-684
Author(s):  
Kayla Cross ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Community Assessment ◽  
Grant Application ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Public Health Staff

AbstractObjectivesThe use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) method in disaster and non-disaster settings continues to grow. While CASPERs flexibility has been well demonstrated, the documentation of specific actions that have resulted from the utilization of CASPER data has been limited. We attempted to document changes in emergency preparedness planning and policy based on CASPER data.MethodsWritten reports from 19 CASPERs conducted in Texas between 2001 and 2015 were collected. Key informant interviews were conducted with 9 public health staff knowledgeable about the CASPERs. Written reports and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for themes.ResultsFew specific outcomes could be documented beyond a single successful grant application. Respondents felt CASPER data was not duplicative and was useful for improving existing plans. CASPER is seen as an effective way to enhance relationships with communities and partnerships with agencies including Emergency Management.ConclusionAs the use of CASPER grows, it is increasingly important to document any specific and measurable benefits, actions, and changes to planning or policy taken as the result of data collected using the CASPER method. Without measurable outputs and outcomes, support for the use of CASPER from decision-makers may begin to wane. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:680-684)

scholarly journals Evaluating the effectiveness of an emergency preparedness training programme for public health staff in China

Public Health ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 471-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chongjian Wang ◽  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Hao Xiang ◽  
Yihua Xu ◽  
Shenghong Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Health Staff ◽  
Public Health Staff

Health Protection

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Health Protection ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Environmental Public Health ◽  
Health Response

This book is an accessible and practical core text on the three domains of health protection: Communicable Disease Control, Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR), and protection of the public from environmental hazards (Environmental Public Health). The editors have attempted to develop an “all hazards approach” to dealing with health protection situations. Most health protection books confine themselves to one of the three domains, whereas this book presents a practical and all hazards approach, with some account of the overarching principles of health protection on which day-to-day practice rests. The target audience is health protection practitioners, students, doctors, nurses and other non-medical professionals who may encounter health protection issues in their daily practice. From a clear introduction to the essential principles of health protection work, the book guides readers through how to manage real health protection incidents using a combination of case studies and quick reference action checklists. Each case study provides a common health protection scenario which develops in stages, in the same way as a real-life case or incident. As the story unfolds, the reader will learn about the nature and significance of the specific threat to population health, the practical steps and issues involved in an effective public health response and the health protection principles underpinning that response. Other chapters outline the general principles of health protection, providing a deeper understanding of key tools and mechanisms, as well as insights into new and emerging health protection issues. A series of individual checklists dealing with a broad range of commonly-faced diseases, hazards and incidents complete the book. These give concise and practically-focused information that can be used even by non-specialists in time-pressured situations. In particular, the variety of chapters covered throughout the book, on Communicable Diseases, Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response, and Environmental Public Health, offer a unique perspective borne out of practical experience, not easily accessible elsewhere.

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.

Assessment of One Health Knowledge, Animal Welfare Implications, and Emergency Preparedness Considerations for Effective Public Health Response

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110472
Author(s):  
Linda C. Pimentel ◽  
Alicia C. May ◽  
John K. Iskander ◽  
Ronald E. Banks ◽  
John D. Gibbins
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
One Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Work Exposure ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Welfare Attitudes

Objectives Information on knowledge of public health professionals about health aspects of the human–animal interface, referred to as One Health, is limited. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with animal welfare attitudes, practices, and One Health awareness among US Public Health Service (USPHS) officers to assess preparedness for public health response. Methods USPHS officers participated in an online, self-administered survey from February 15 through March 2, 2018. A total of 1133 of 6474 (17.5%) USPHS officers responded. We collected information on officers’ demographic characteristics, animal welfare attitudes and practices, volunteer and work exposure to animals, and One Health knowledge. We compared (1) One Health knowledge and animal work exposure (deployment, regular assignment, or none) and (2) animal welfare importance and animal work exposure. To adjust for demographic characteristics associated with One Health knowledge, we used multivariable logistic regression. Results One-third of nonveterinary officers reported encountering animals during deployment, and 65% reported that animal welfare was very or extremely important. We found no difference in One Health knowledge between nonveterinary officers who participated in deployments involving animals and nonveterinary officers who had no work exposure to animals (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.11; 95% CI, 0.71-1.75). Nonveterinary officers who participated in animal-related public health activities during regular assignment were more likely to have One Health knowledge than nonveterinary officers who had no work exposure to animals (aOR = 7.88; 95% CI, 5.36-11.59). Conclusions One Health knowledge and awareness should be further explored in the current US public health workforce to identify training needs for emergency preparedness and other collaborative opportunities.

Genomic Epidemiology as a Public Health Tool to Combat Mosquito-Borne Virus Outbreaks

2019 ◽  
Vol 221 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. S308-S318 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Pollett ◽  
J R Fauver ◽  
Irina Maljkovic Berry ◽  
M Melendrez ◽  
A Morrison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Multidimensional Data ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Genomic Epidemiology ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
Surveillance And Response ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Phylogenomic Analyses

Abstract Next-generation sequencing technologies, exponential increases in the availability of virus genomic data, and ongoing advances in phylogenomic methods have made genomic epidemiology an increasingly powerful tool for public health response to a range of mosquito-borne virus outbreaks. In this review, we offer a brief primer on the scope and methods of phylogenomic analyses that can answer key epidemiological questions during mosquito-borne virus public health emergencies. We then focus on case examples of outbreaks, including those caused by dengue, Zika, yellow fever, West Nile, and chikungunya viruses, to demonstrate the utility of genomic epidemiology to support the prevention and control of mosquito-borne virus threats. We extend these case studies with operational perspectives on how to best incorporate genomic epidemiology into structured surveillance and response programs for mosquito-borne virus control. Many tools for genomic epidemiology already exist, but so do technical and nontechnical challenges to advancing their use. Frameworks to support the rapid sharing of multidimensional data and increased cross-sector partnerships, networks, and collaborations can support advancement on all scales, from research and development to implementation by public health agencies.

Assessing Radiation Emergency Preparedness Planning by Using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) Methodology

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mawuli K. Nyaku ◽  
Amy F. Wolkin ◽  
Jevon McFadden ◽  
Jim Collins ◽  
Michelle Murti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Sampling Design ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Community Assessment ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Oakland County ◽  
Radiation Emergency ◽  
Public Health Emergency Response

AbstractIntroductionApproximately 1.2 million persons in Oakland County, Michigan (USA) reside less than 50 miles from the Fermi Nuclear Power Plant, Unit 2, but information is limited regarding how residents might react during a radiation emergency. Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey methodology has been used in disaster and nondisaster settings to collect reliable and accurate population-based public health information, but it has not been used to assess household-level emergency preparedness for a radiation emergency. To improve emergency preparedness plans in Oakland County, including how residents might respond during a radiation emergency, Oakland County Health Division (OCHD), with assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), conducted a CASPER survey.MethodsDuring September 2012, a 2-stage cluster sampling design was used to select 210 representative households in Oakland County. By using in-person surveys, the proportion of households with essential needs and supplies, how residents might respond to public health authorities’ instructions, and their main source for obtaining information during a radiation emergency were assessed. Data were weighted to account for the complex sampling design.ResultsOf the goal of 210 households, 192 (91.4%) surveys were completed: 64.7% and 85.4% of respondents indicated having 3-day supplies of water and of nonperishable food, respectively; 62.8% had a 7-day supply of prescription medication for each person who needed it. Additionally, 64.2% had a working carbon monoxide detector; 67.1% had a first-aid kit; and 52% had an alternative heat source. In response to instructions from public health officials during a radiation emergency, 93.3% of all respondents would report to a radiation screening center; 96% would evacuate; and 91.8% would shelter-in-place. During a radiation emergency, 55.8% of respondents indicated their main information source would be television, 18.4% radio, and 13.6% the Internet. The most trusted source for information would be the local public health department (36.5%), local news (23%), a physician (11.2%), and family members (11.1%). Including completed and incomplete interviews, refusals, and nonrespondents, 517 total households were contacted.ConclusionsCASPER data regarding how residents might react during a radiation emergency provided objective and quantifiable information that will be used to develop Oakland County's radiation emergency preparedness plans. Survey information demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of CASPER methodology for radiation emergency preparedness planning.NyakuMK, WolkinAF, McFaddenJ, CollinsJ, MurtiM, SchnallA, BiesS, StanburyM, BeggsJ, BayleyegnTM. Assessing radiation emergency preparedness planning by using Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) methodology. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(3):1-9.

Ebola Preparedness Planning and Collaboration by Two Health Systems in Wisconsin, September to December 2014

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 691-697 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Kraft Leonhardt ◽  
Megan Keuler ◽  
Nasia Safdar ◽  
Paul Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Ebola Virus Disease ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Health Agencies

AbstractWe describe the collaborative approach used by 2 health systems in Wisconsin to plan and prepare for the threat of Ebola virus disease. This was a descriptive study of the preparedness planning, infection prevention, and collaboration with public health agencies undertaken by 2 health systems in Wisconsin between September and December 2014. The preparedness approach used by the 2 health systems relied successfully on their robust infrastructure for planning and infection prevention. In the setting of rapidly evolving guidance and unprecedented fear regarding Ebola, the 2 health systems enhanced their response through collaboration and coordination with each other and government public health agencies. Key lessons learned included the importance of a rigorous planning process, robust infection prevention practices, and coalitions between public and private health sectors. The potential threat of Ebola virus disease stimulated emergency preparedness in which acute care facilities played a leading role in the public health response. Leveraging the existing expertise of health systems is essential when faced with emerging infectious diseases. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:691–697)

scholarly journals Description of the Use of the Incident Command System Among Public Health Agencies Responding to COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 874-881
Author(s):  
Sarah Elizabeth Scales ◽  
◽  
Roxanna Fouladi ◽  
Jennifer A. Horney
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
Online Information ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Incident Command ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
Health Agencies

The utilization of Incident Command Systems (ICS) and Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) in public health emergency and disaster response are cornerstones of the capabilities prescribed for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP). To assess the use of ICS and EOCs by public health agencies during the COVID-19 response, we conducted a content analysis of online materials available from 62 health departments funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for PHEP. Bivariate associations between evidence of ICS utilization in COVID response were assessed using relative risk regression. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. 58% (36 of 62) of PHEP grantees had accessible information regarding the use of ICS in COVID-19 public health response. PHEP grantees with online information about PHEP, Hospital Preparedness Program linkages, public health seats at state or jurisdictional EOCs, exercises, and ICS generally were more likely to have COVID-specific ICS information. COVID-19 has placed significant strain on the operational response capacity of public health agencies. Given that this is the most significant event in which PHEP Capabilities have been tested, both in terms of geographic spread and duration, assessment of both preparedness and response capacities is critical for recognizing strengths and addressing shortcomings to improve PHEP operations in future incidents.

scholarly journals Leveraging Local and Regional Partners to Implement Hospital Closed Point of Dispensing Sites

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-52
Author(s):  
Daniel Baker ◽  
Sara Paton
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Community Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Preparedness Planning ◽  
Response Planning

Background: Point of dispensing (POD) sites are critical to local public health agencies (LPHA) when an emergen-cy occurs requiring medications or vaccinations. Delivering medical countermeasures (MCM) ensures community support mechanisms and the general public are provided with a pharmaceutical intervention to limit untoward outcomes caused by the emergency. While LPHAs are required to have an MCM response plan, these plans vary based on jurisdictional size and geographical location in Ohio. This study evaluated the implementation potential of an MCM toolkit developed for LPHAs and hospitals across Ohio. Methods: An MCM toolkit was created consisting of planning resources, training modules, sample exercises, and custom graphics. The toolkit was evaluated using Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs by public health, hospital, hospital association, and emergency management professionals across Ohio by an electronic sur-vey and phone interview. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to determine overall implementation potential. Results: Thirty-eight (n=38) respondents with jurisdictional influence over 44 Ohio counties participated. Electronic survey results demonstrated high implementation potential for the MCM toolkit (weighted average 4.71/5.00). Phone interviews highlighted: (1) jurisdictional and regionalized planning approaches were necessary for MCM delivery, and (2) hospitals should function as closed POD sites for jurisdictional LPHAs. Conclusion: This work demonstrates the importance of MCM response planning for LPHAs and hospitals. Imple-mentation and planning materials for this work could be adopted into practice by LPHAs and hospitals across the United States to further assist in emergency preparedness planning.

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