Real-time data collection tool to reduce recall bias and improve utility of lessons learned during real public health events

During the summer and early fall of 2009, the researchers from UNC and UAMS conducted an H1N1 study to describe the nature and timing of the public health response to the novel H1N1 influenza outbreak in local health department jurisdictions in North Carolina. The research team conducted site visits to nine local health departments (LHDs) in NC and gathered extensive response data via meetings with the LHD Preparedness Coordinators and focus groups with the LHD and their response partners. During the LHD site visits, it was noted that specific response information was documented independently by various staff members within the LHD and that no formal format existed to capture real-time data that could be used to reduce recall bias when evaluating event response. Capturing real-time, objective data on response actions during a public health event can be challenging and lack of accurate, measureable public health response data has made it difficult to evaluate effectiveness of preparedness and response efforts. Often, duties are divided among LHD staff members that have their own system for recording their actions – if they are recorded at all. Although surveillance data is often captured in case report forms that can assist in research studies, no consistent, widely used tool exists to capture data regarding contact with partners and more general response actions such as cross-agency coordination. The goal of this study was to produce a peer reviewed instrument that can be used to capture response data in real time during a public health event. It is hoped that data collected with this tool can be used for future preparedness research and quality improvement. The tool produced by this study will be shared with attendees at this session and audience feedback on the usefulness of the tool will be solicited.