Pilot testing of training materials for local Epidemiology Teams

The NC Division of Public Health recommends that each of its 85 local health departments maintain a multi-disciplinary “Epi Team” to respond to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. However, there are limited training opportunities to strengthen skills and no comprehensive curriculum. The North Carolina Center for Public Health Preparedness (NCCPHP) partnered with the Division to develop and pilot test training materials for a competency-based interactive curriculum. NCCPHP assembled a 6-person advisory committee with local and regional public health representatives and developed 6 competency-based case studies. Regional surveillance team members facilitated pilot tests of 5 case studies with 8 Epi Teams (range: 4 to 18 members). Participants completed a short evaluation after each pilot test. Participants (N=72) provided valuable suggestions about case study content and format, asking for greater emphasis on incident command systems, public information, and laboratory testing. All participants strongly agreed or agreed that issues raised in the case study scenario were applicable to their Epi Teams, 98% percent strongly agreed or agreed that working through the case study would contribute to a better functioning Epi Team, and 98% strongly agreed or agreed that completing similar case studies on a regular basis would be useful for their teams. The pilot testing also increased awareness about the curriculum. Interactive case studies are an engaging and effective training tool for local Epi Teams in North Carolina. Pilot testing provided critical feedback for curriculum revisions, increased awareness of the training curriculum, and confirmed the need for additional training materials.