"Public health investigation": a pilot, multi-county, electronic infectious disease exercise.
BACKGROUND
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.
Ablah
Elizabeth
E
Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita, KS 67214-3199, USA. eablah@kumc.edu
Nickels
Debbie
D
Hodle
Amanda
A
Wolfe
Deborah J
DJ
Orr
Shirley
S
Tenbrink
Jerry
J
Ploger-McCool
Terri
T
Snethen
Edie
E
Molgaard
Craig A
CA
D003142:Communication; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004493:Education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007615:Kansas; D009111:Local Government; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011634:Public Health; D015980:Public Health Practice; D000078329:Workforce