Virtual Training Program in Public Health Emergency Management

Welcome to the Georgetown University Virtual Training Program in Public Health Emergency Management! This program is tailored specifically for national and sub-national Emergency Operations Center personnel involved in epidemic response efforts.

The training is structured around four modules. Within each of these modules, there will be approximately 1.5-2 hours of self-directed “asynchronous” videos and recommended readings, to be completed by each participant individually. Each module will conclude with a 1.5 hour live “synchronous” discussion session with experts, to consolidate key concepts and address any questions, as well as a short knowledge check. The modules are each designed to take two weeks to complete, but can be extended or fast-tracked as needed.

Before starting the training, please complete the pre-training survey available below and email it to Dr. Claire Standley at Claire.standley@georgetown.edu. You will also be asked to complete the post-training survey at the end of the final module.

Pre-training survey:

PDF: Pre-training survey - Using EOCs for Epidemic Response
DOC: Pre-training survey - Using EOCs for Epidemic Response

Post-training survey:

PDF: Post-training survey - Using EOCs for Epidemic Response
DOC: Post-training survey - Using EOCs for Epidemic Response

Biographies for all the experts and guest lecturers are available here

Detailed Module Structure

This module will cover the basic structure of an incident management system, with particular reference to its application during complex public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the module is to increase understanding of the utility and application of IMS for public health emergency management, covering both theoretical and practical aspects.

Learning objectives

  • Summarize roles, responsibilities and minimum requirements of key positions and personnel within IMS
  • Demonstrate ability to update handbooks and SOPs to define activation levels and scales of response
  • Apply knowledge to update current structures and protocols (i.e. from COVID-19) to future all-hazard preparedness and response

Pre-module test:

PDF: Module 1 - pre test
DOC: Module 1 - pre test

Recommended reading:

Asynchronous lectures:

1.1: Overview of IMS: Dr. Claire Standley, Germany/USA
1.2: Planning section: Dr. Claire Standley, Germany/USA
1.3: Operations section: Jim Banaski, USA
1.4: Logistics, admin and finance sections: Jim Banaski, USA
1.5: IMS at the sub-national level: Interview with Dr. Amadou Traoré, Guinea/Sierra Leone

Synchronous section: IMS for partners and surge personnel

Post-module test

PDF: Module 1 - post test
DOC: Module 1 - post test

Additional resources

This module will cover how to approach data and resource management within the context of preparedness, response, and recovery, with an emphasis on how these management functions relate to decision-making. The goal is to ensure that participants understand ways to obtain, utilize, and manage different types of critical resources in an operational environment.

Learning objectives

  • Identify best practices for data management and decision-making
  • Define resource requirements for different response levels/phases
  • Describe procedures for acquiring and utilizing resources

Pre-module test

PDF: Module 2 - pre test
DOC: Module 2 - pre test

Recommended reading:

Asynchronous lectures:

2.1: Data for decision-making: Interview with Peter Babigumira, Uganda
2.2: Data and information management: Dr. Claire Standley, Germany/USA
2.3: Resource requirements and managing resources: Jim Banaski, USA
2.4: Managing resources: Interview with Nevashan Govender, South Africa

Synchronous session: Using data and resources effectively

Post-module test

PDF: Module 2 - post test
DOC: Module 2 - post test

Additional resources:

  • Turner, A., Reeder, B., & Wallace, J. (2013). A Resource Management Tool for Public Health Continuity of Operations During Disasters. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 7(2), 146-152. doi:10.1017/dmp.2013.24

This module will cover approaches for engaging with multisectoral partners, including protocols for both internal and external (including public) communication, and testing coordination structures via exercises. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to design and implement different strategies for coordination and communication, including in the context of large-scale and complex operations.

Learning objectives

  • Develop approaches for engaging multisectoral partners in planning and preparedness
  • Outline principles for internal and external communication protocols
  • Appraise components of large-scale operations

Pre-module test

PDF: Module 3 - pre test
DOC: Module 3 - pre test

Recommended reading:

Asynchronous lectures:

3.1: Stakeholder analysis: Interview with Dr. Claude Millogo, Burkina Faso
3.2: Emergency risk communications: Guest lecture by Dr. Julie Fischer, USA
3.3: Coordination of operations: Dr. Claire Standley, Germany/USA
3.4: Introduction to exercises: Jim Banaski, USA
3.5: Designing and implementing exercises – lessons from West Africa: Intervoew with Dr. Amadou Traoré, Guinea/Sierra Leone

Synchronous session: Designing and implementing multisectoral preparedness exercises at regional, national and provincial levels

Post-module test

PDF: Module 3 - post test
DOC: Module 3 - post test

Please complete this quiz after the final synchronous webinar, and then email it to Claire.Standley@georgetown.edu when you are done.

Additional resources:

This module will focus on factors underpinning successful implementation and sustainment of public health emergency management. The goal is to encourage participants to think beyond technical skills to the broader leadership, advocacy, and continuous education required to ensure long-term function of an emergency management program.

Learning objectives

  • Understand the role and importance of legal frameworks for emergency response operations
  • Apply effective leadership and decision-making strategies
  • Synthesize approaches for training and cascading

Pre-module test

PDF: Module 4 - pre test
DOC: Module 4 - pre test

Recommended reading:

Asynchronous lectures:

4.1: Legal frameworks: Dr. Alexandra Phelan
4.2: Sustainable program development: Shawn Baker-Garcia, USA
4.3: Leadership and decision-making: Jim Banaski, USA
4.4: Training and cascading: Dr. Claire Standley, Germany/USA

Synchronous session: Creating a culture of preparedness

Post-module test

PDF: Module 4 - post test
DOC: Module 4 - post test

Additional resources:

Please remember to complete the post-training evaluation at the end of the program!

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