EvidenceLink is a resource made for researchers and practitioners working in public health emergency preparedness and response (PHPR). Here, you can find articles about interventions that have been tested, learn what worked and what did not, and consider how to adapt the intervention to work in your own context.
EvidenceLink includes articles from major citation databases (PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Scopus) that meet eligibility criteria to select peer-reviewed articles on studies that test or evaluate a strategy, intervention, program or policy in the PHPR field. Articles are categorized into intervention areas according to a rubric designed to comprehensively cover the PHPR field.
Filter by
Evidence
An evaluation of learner perception of competency and satisfaction with three models of an interdisciplinary surge capacity course
An interprofessional online surge capacity course was tested in three formats: online-only, online + tabletop, and online + tabletop + e-simulation. All formats improved perceived competency, especially with interactive elements. The course offers a scalable way to train diverse providers in disaster readiness.
Assessment of the Capacity and Capability of Burn Centers to Respond to Burn Disasters in Belgium: A Mixed-Method Study
The study tested seven public health messaging strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccination willingness, including public figure endorsements, demonstrations, approval process explanations, and economic impact messages. Messages about the vaccine approval process and the pandemic’s economic consequences were found to be the most effective, while public figure endorsements had smaller effects.
Assessment of the effectiveness of hospital external disaster functional drills on health care receivers’ performance, using standardized patients and mass cards simulation: a pilot study from Saudi Arabia
This stimulation study tested a disaster preparedness drill using standardized patients (SPs) and Mass Casualty Simulation (MAC-SIM) cards in a Saudi hospital. The scenario simulated a building collapse to assess triage accuracy, treatment efficiency, communication, and surge capacity. The approach improved staff readiness, with positive feedback on the realism and usefulness of SPs and MAC-SIM cards.
Attitudes towards relocation following Hurricane Sandy: should we stay or should we go?
Relocation as a coastal hazard adaptation strategy was explored with residents in Hurricane Sandy-affected areas. While many preferred structural protections, some supported buyout programs for personal health and safety, with preferences influenced by risk perceptions and recovery concerns.
Combining Community Wastewater Genomic Surveillance with State Clinical Surveillance: A Framework for SARS-CoV-2 Public Health Practice
An integrated weekly wastewater genomic surveillance with state clinical sequencing was used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants in Louisville, Kentucky. This strategy provided earlier, geographically targeted detection of variants compared to clinical data alone. The framework enhanced public health response capacity by guiding timely, location-specific interventions.
Design of a Model to Predict Surge Capacity Bottlenecks for Burn Mass Casualties at a Large Academic Medical Center
A simulation model was developed to predict resource bottlenecks during a burn mass-casualty event. It factors in patient flow, baseline capacity, and critical supply needs. The tool can guide real-time decision-making for hospital surge planning.
Disaster Preparedness Training for Latino Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers in Communities Where They Work
The Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Disaster Preparedness Demonstration Project delivered a 20-hour, culturally and linguistically tailored CERT-based training to Hispanic farmworkers in Michigan. Training covered emergency preparedness, basic response skills, and simulation exercises. The program improved participants’ skills to protect themselves and assist others before first responders arrive.
Effect of Reverse Triage on Creation of Surge Capacity in a Pediatric Hospital
Reverse triage—early discharge of low-risk inpatients—was evaluated for surge capacity in a pediatric hospital. It modestly increased bed availability, especially in psychiatry, but had limited ICU or oncology impact. Follow-up care needs were identified as a key challenge.
Enhancing community partnerships during a public health emergency: the school-located vaccination clinics model in Kanawha County, WV during the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic
School-located vaccination clinics implemented during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic through a broad-based community partnership led by the Kanawha County, WV health department. The initiative used coordinated planning, school nurse engagement, and volunteer support to vaccinate over 20,000 children. The model built lasting partnerships and was sustained as an annual school influenza vaccination program.
Evaluating Community Partnerships Addressing Community Resilience in Los Angeles, California
"Sixteen coalitions were supported to strengthen cross-sector partnerships for disaster resilience, with one group receiving targeted resilience training and support. Resilience coalitions maintained larger networks and implemented activities aligned with resilience concepts. Findings suggest structured partnership development can enhance community disaster readiness. "