Oral

The H1N1 virus is continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US. Although the virus was not as virulent as first anticipated, the uncertainty and publicity surrounding its progression put a strain on health departments, schools, and the health care system.This session will examine a variety of issues encountered during the public health response to the 2009 H1N1 Outbreak, including school closures, communication with health professionals, intention to seek vaccination, and After Action Reviews with local health departments. Each of the studies presented here included rapid data collection and reporting to inform ongoing response efforts. The session will conclude with a brief presentation and discussion of participatory research partnerships that facilitate response data collection, reporting, and research efforts from which public health practitioners and researchers learn and benefit.

Session Objectives: Describe four rapid data collection and research efforts to improve the response to the H1N1 Virus. Describe methodologies and information resources suitable to data collection and research efforts utilized in the H1N1 response. Discuss the importance of research and practice partnerships that facilitate rapid design and implementation of response studies.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)