Improving public health emergency preparedness through enhanced decision-making environments: A simulation and survey based evaluation

摘要: Abstract Public health emergency preparedness officials use several modes of education and training programs to improve their response capability, including tabletop exercises. Tabletop exercises allow participants role-play during a in an experiential practice environment evaluate performance using existing benchmarks. Although are routinely used public identify gaps planning, quantitative measures the impact participating exercise less common. To this end, we have designed state-of-the-art simulation-driven hybrid which is informed by local leadership interests options, tied into research platform that enables rigorous assessment improvements. The were state Arizona 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak. simulation allows respond hypothetical pandemic scenario make iterative policy decisions group setting. provided valuable forum reviewing assessing plans for schools prepare for, to, recover from pandemic. After exercise, reported significantly increased level confidence performing core functional capabilities around five main topic areas.