Emergency Management Information: Challenges for the 21st Century

1. Emergency Management Information: Challenges for the 21st Century ISCRAM 2008 Washington, D.C. 5th May 2008 Eric K. Noji, M.D., M.P.H., Consultant in Global Health Security Washington, D.C.

3. Good-bye!

5. Domaine de NojiProduct of Prince Georges Co. USA

6. Health Information Needs in Emergency Populations • Establish health care priorities • Follow trends and reassess priorities • Detect and respond to epidemics • Evaluate program effectiveness • Ensure targeting of resources • Evaluate quality of health care

7. Data for Decision-Making Available Services Victims Needs Disaster Epidemiology • Purpose: • Identify requirements, local capabilities, gaps • Avoid unnecessary and damaging assistance

9. Hand-held Screens of Tornado Assessment Forms used last week

10. On the Hand Held -Acute Disease Survey Form

11. Internet Forms-Handheld Process Overview User Defines and Tests Questionnaire (Form) Via Web Interface 2 1 MultipleUsers Can Immediately Enter Data directly via Web Form Repository Encrypted Traffic 3 Handheld User Selects Forms & Downloads by direct wireless connection or via PC/cradle connection 5 4 Handheld Data & Forms are Synchronized the Next time device is connected User can enter Data via Forms when Handheld is disconnected

13. Investigating Person-to-Person Spread

18. Decision Making without Data • Need to make decisions rapidly in the absence of data • Few genuine subject matter experts • No “textbook” experience to guide response • Understanding of “risk” will evolve as a pandemic develops and spreads • ****Need coherent, rapid process for addressing scientific issues in midst of crisis****

21. Bad communication adds to crisis • Mixed messages from multiple “experts” • Late information “overcome by events” • Over-reassuring messages • No reality check on recommendations • Myths, rumors, doomsayers not countered • Poor performance by spokesperson or leader • Public power struggles and confusion

22. A Typical Day at CDC Autumn 2001

24. Hand-held Screens of Tornado Assessment Forms used last week

25. On the Hand Held -Acute Disease Survey Form

28. Decision Making without Data • Need to make decisions rapidly in the absence of data • Few genuine subject matter experts • No “textbook” experience to guide response • Understanding of “risk” will evolve as an outbreak develops and spreads • ****Need coherent, rapid process for addressing scientific issues in midst of crisis****

29. Bad communication adds to crisis • Mixed messages from multiple “experts” • Late information “overcome by events” • Over-reassuring messages • No reality check on recommendations • Myths, rumors, doomsayers not countered • Poor performance by spokesperson or leader • Public power struggles and confusion

31. A Typical Day at CDC Autumn 2001

35. Reports of Diseases

40. Internet Forms-Handheld Process Overview User Defines and Tests Questionnaire (Form) Via Web Interface 2 1 MultipleUsers Can Immediately Enter Data directly via Web Form Repository Encrypted Traffic 3 Handheld User Selects Forms & Downloads by direct wireless connection or via PC/cradle connection 5 4 Handheld Data & Forms are Synchronized the Next time device is connected User can enter Data via Forms when Handheld is disconnected