Developing a Concept of Operations Template to Guide Collaborative Disaster Research Response Between Academic Public Health and Public Health Agencies

Abstract

Research conducted in the context of a disaster or public health emergency is essential to improve knowledge about its short- and long-term health consequences, as well as the implementation and effectiveness of response and recovery strategies. Integrated approaches to conducting Disaster Research Response (DR2) can answer scientific questions, while also providing attendant value for operational response and recovery. Here, we propose a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) template to guide the collaborative development and implementation of DR2 among academic public health and public health agencies, informed by previous literature, semi-structured interviews with disaster researchers from academic public health across the United States, and discussion groups with public health practitioners. The proposed CONOPS outlines actionable strategies to address DR2 issues before, during, and after disasters for public health scholars and practitioners who seek to operationalize or enhance their DR2 programs. Additional financial and human resources will be necessary to promote widespread implementation of collaborative DR2 programs.

Prospective Strategies to Enhance Resilience for Public Emergencies Preparedness: A Human Resources Management Perspective

“…Governance & leadership Integrated structures, partnerships and responsibilities with clear leadership to support a coordinated and interoperable system [16,[20][21][22] Emergency plan and practices and experiences dissemination for preparedness Develop a plan through a dynamic, collaborative planning process; invest in testing and practicing plans and processes; Gather rules, regulations, unity of purpose and priority for change and action [16,[21][22][23] Risk analysis Consolidated knowledge of community hazards and risks, systematics and dynamics of risk events, disasters and emergencies [16,24] Surveillance and monitoring Timely information to provide situational awareness and guide action [16,21,22,24] Resources Ensure dedicated resource capacity and mobilization capability [16] Communication and dissemination…”

“…A strategy to transmit clear and coherent messages on the networks, to the public and between organizational levels; [16,23] Learning and assessment Evaluation as a strategy to build resilience [16]…”

“…Use of digital technologies for increasing effectiveness and efficiency, and for coherent data system for situational awareness [16,20,22,23] Future…”

A Review of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHEPR) Curricula in US CEPH-Accredited Schools and Programs of Public Health

“…1 Over the past few years, there has also been an increasing recognition of the importance of evidenceinformed PHEPR practices, and the need for science and research to be fundamental components of PHEPR practice. 2,3 Echoing these calls, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsored the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) consensus study report, 'Evidence-Based Practice for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response,' and outlined a National PHEPR Science framework to improve the identification and implementation of evidence-based PHEPR practices. 4 The framework calls for PHEPR to be recognized as a unique academic discipline within public health, and a robust commitment to PHEPR training for both practitioners and researchers.…”