Write a 2- to 3-page paper (excluding the title and reference page) answering the following questions:
- What components of a strong public health infrastructure should have been in place to contain this disease?
- Describe the lessons learned. What updates should be made to the emergency preparedness plan?
- Apply system thinking tools to analyze how to prevent future outbreaks and/or improve future outcomes.
- Answer questions 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 from the end of the case study.
Use current APA formatting to style your paper and to cite your sources. Integrate your sources into the paragraphs. Use internal citations pointing to evidence in the literature and supporting your ideas. You will need to include a reference page listing those sources.
Week 5 Case Study—Infectious Disease
See the Week 5 Supplemental Resources for additional helpful websites.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This paper aims to answer a case study on infectious diseases. The case study provides an opportunity to evaluate the components of a strong public health infrastructure, lessons learned, updates to emergency preparedness plan, and the application of system thinking tools to prevent future outbreaks. The paper will also answer questions 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 from the end of the case study.
1. What components of a strong public health infrastructure should have been in place to contain this disease?
To contain diseases, strong components of public health infrastructure include surveillance and monitoring of diseases, early detection, and rapid response. This is achieved through diagnostic techniques and laboratory support, health education and promotion to control its spread, and multi-sectoral engagement such as collaborations with the health ministry, local community-based organizations, and hospitals. Effective communication and information sharing are also vital, especially between health personnel and the affected population to contain the pandemic.
2. Describe the lessons learned. What updates should be made to the emergency preparedness plan?
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught several lessons regarding emergency preparedness. One of the lessons learned is the ability to coordinate and communicate within and across organizations, sectors, and communities in times of crisis. Adequate and timely information sharing, training of health personnel and public on disease prevention, and risk perception, risk communication, and public engagement are essential for managing pandemics. Updates to the emergency preparedness plan include scaling up screening measures, the provision of essential healthcare supplies and equipment, identifying potential regional or local outbreak response teams, and prioritizing research that supports effective management and the development of vaccines.
3. Apply system thinking tools to analyze how to prevent future outbreaks and/or improve future outcomes.
System thinking can be effective in analyzing and preventing future outbreaks or improving future outcomes. One of the systems thinking tools is scenario analysis, which can be used to simulate and develop strategies to manage the disease outbreak. Another tool is stakeholder analysis, which helps identify and involve key stakeholders in disease control and response. These stakeholder groups include the healthcare workforce, emergency responders, the public, policymakers, and the media. System mapping and modeling can also help identify and address factors that contribute to the outbreak and limit disease spread, such as enhancing diagnostic capability and surveillance systems, and improving community-based care delivery systems.
4. Answer questions 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9 from the end of the case study.
2. What is your opinion about the risks and benefits associated with the rapid release of genetic data during an outbreak event?
Risks associated with rapid data release include privacy and confidentiality issues and the potential misuse of individual data. Besides, releasing information too soon without proper analysis may lead to incomplete or unverified conclusions, misleading the public and governments. However, the benefits of rapid data release outweigh the risks, including early detection, identification, and monitoring of the outbreak, and strengthening global surveillance and control efforts.
3. In what ways did the global health community inhibit or facilitate the response to the outbreak?
The global health community plays a crucial role in facilitating the response to disease outbreaks. For instance, it provides technical assistance, such as drafting guidelines and protocols for disease control and prevention. It also offers support for research, capacity building, and training, and the development and distribution of vaccines and therapeutic interventions. However, political and economic factors can inhibit the global health community’s response to outbreaks.
7. What can be done right now to reduce the time and workload required to sequence new disease organisms?
Reducing the time and workload required to sequence new disease organisms requires adopting innovative and efficient sequencing methods. Automation of laboratory procedures can increase the sample throughput and reduce the time and workforce required. Besides, streamlining sequence data analysis and adopting novel bioinformatics software can help facilitate fast analysis and accurate results.
8. What health policy issues need to be addressed, domestically and globally, to promote preparedness?
The following health policy issues need to be addressed to promote preparedness:
– Developing multi-sectoral action plans to support preparedness and response efforts
– Increasing financial resources and investments to promote research and preparedness
– Enhancing disease surveillance and reporting systems and strengthening laboratory capacity
– Integrating public health and healthcare systems in preparedness and response strategies
– Facilitating transparent and timely information sharing across borders and sectors
– Promoting collaborations and partnerships between stakeholders to promote preparedness.
9. Define ethical considerations related to containment and control of the outbreak.
Ethical considerations related to containment and control of the outbreak include:
– Respecting the confidentiality and privacy of individuals and communities affected by the outbreak
– Ensuring equitable access to healthcare resources and interventions
– Avoiding discrimination, stigmatization, and prejudice against specific populations or communities
– Ethical data collection, storage, and use, including data sharing and transparency
– Inclusiveness and transparency in decision-making processes regarding outbreak management and control.
