This discussion is based on the research aspect of PHEP problem solving.  Understanding the role of research in PHEP as well as identifying the gaps in the availability of data will help demonstrate the challenges associated with providing evidence-based decisions in PHEP.

Choose one of the following questions below AND using an example case from your own research, answer the questions.  Specifically, I expect you to do outside research and choose a historic emergency (natural, man-made, or CBRNE) and identify the key elements addressed in your question of choice.  You must provide a link to your case information and support your answers with APA formatted.

1. How can biosurveillance data and analysis be more effectively performed and the outputs shared to help identify the event and communicate that information to those leading the response?  Public health sharing is often limited by privacy issues. However, data sharing methods have been developed for other types of sensitive data. It may be possible to define specific metadata that can be shared or types of analysis and data aggregation that can be performed without putting privacy at risk.
2. How could standardized consequence analysis, performed by subject matter experts, be developed to support emergency management operations? Consequence assessments need to be disseminated early and widely during a public health emergency, even when there is uncertainty in what is happening. This information sharing is an essential function of the public health mission and is aligned with the academic culture of many public health organizations. A new understanding is needed to balance the need for accuracy and peer review with the immediate requirements of providing the data needed for effective emergency response.
3. How can the roles of agencies involved in public health emergency response be clarified? HHS, ASPR, HHS CDC, FEMA, and DHS have intersecting, overlapping roles in public health response. Improving coordination between the agencies is critical and will depend on better aligning these roles with the practical realities of public health emergency response.

Please answer only one of the 3 questions.