221289 Assessing the communication needs for schools about 2009 pandemic influenza (H1N1)

Tuesday, November 9, 2010 : 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Tiffani Phelps, MPH , Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Stacey Hoffman, MPH , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Kathryn Maddox, MPH, CHES , Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Gabrielle Benenson, MPH , Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
Jennifer Reynolds, MPH, CHES , Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
Kelli Martin, MPH, CHES , Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
Nichole Urban, MPH, CHES , Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN
Lisa Barrios, DrPH , Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
     
In order to assess the communication needs of K-12 schools and the awareness and attitudes of faculty and parents about 2009 pandemic influenza (H1N1) guidance and materials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted an in-depth opinion leaders' conference call, which included various professional organizations responsible for disseminating information to schools and school professionals. CDC also conducted a series of online focus groups using web cameras with school administrators, school nurses, teachers, and parents from across the United States. CDC worked with internal and external partners to coordinate the assessment activities.

Through the assessment, CDC was able to determine the feasibility of recommended strategies; identify gaps in communication; develop additional resources designed to assist schools in implementing CDC influenza recommendations; improve existing communication materials; and strengthen partnerships with key opinion leaders.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Communication and informatics
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Protection of the public in relation to communicable diseases including prevention or control
Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the H1N1 influenza information needs of schools. 2. Define the purpose of CDC’s school communication toolkit. 3. List at least three challenges school administrators have in implementing CDC’s guidance for schools. 4. Describe at least three recommendations for improving influenza materials for schools.

Keywords: Evaluation, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I coordinated and facilitated needs assessment activities for K-12 Schools. I also serve as a health communicator, contracted with CDC, working on the H1N1 response.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 4382.0: 2009 Pandemic influenza (H1N1) communication activities at CDC: Focusing on specific audiences and settings