Conducting after-action reviews of the public health response to COVID-19: update

Conducting after-action reviews of the public health response to COVID-19: update

The generation of this report involved a collection of online conferences with ECDC Nationwide Focal Factors for Preparedness and Response. An on line session took position on 6 July 2021, and two on the net pilot workshops to evaluate an before edition of the techniques introduced in this report took area on 14 and 28 March 2022.

This doc updates and builds upon past ECDC steering targeted on conducting AARs concentrated on COVID-19. In the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, in June 2020, ECDC published assistance on conducting in- motion critiques (IARs) and AARs of the public health and fitness reaction to COVID-19. In recognition of the greater want to conduct IARs during the protracted reaction to COVID-19, ECDC printed a in-depth just one-working day IAR protocol in March 2021. Also, in recognition of the worth of the subject, ECDC printed a protocol for conducting AARs concentrated on proof-dependent final decision-earning in September 2021. Developing on every of these paperwork, this report gives even more information and applications (see Annexes) to help the implementation of sturdy AARs focused on the reaction to COVID-19.

As defined in our earlier assistance, an AAR seeks to assessment steps undertaken through the response to an occasion of public wellness worry by objectively observing, analysing gaps and/or most effective tactics and figuring out places for advancement in preparedness and reaction actions. An AAR does not seek to apportion blame but somewhat to recognize studying options and to add to the cycle of constant top quality advancement in emergency preparedness and reaction organizing. AARs commonly seek out to address five prevalent issues:

  • What transpired during the response (and what was intended to have occurred)?
  • Why did it materialize?
  • What can be discovered?
  • What need to adjust?
  • Have modifications taken spot?

The method we advocate here identifies the chance of combining prioritised reaction places into modules. The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unparalleled event in size, scope, and duration. Due to this, the structure of an AAR for this function may perhaps vary from lesser situations, as it will not be possible to tackle all features of reaction in a person AAR. It may possibly be valuable, as a result, to conduct several AARs to focus on unique regions of the public wellness reaction and/or various jurisdictional levels.

The advice offered below adheres to and draws on formerly recognized ideal tactics and covers all the phases of conducting an AAR, which include dissemination techniques. In addition, this doc has been knowledgeable by suggestions from two on the net consultations about this subject matter among the ECDC Nationwide Focal Factors for Preparedness and Reaction.

The protocol and methodology proposed are completely adaptable across countrywide and sub-national contexts The concentrate on audience of this protocol is public wellness industry experts from EU/EEA Member States, EU prospect and possible applicant international locations, and European Neighbourhood Coverage international locations.