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.
EvidenceLink was developed by the NYC Preparedness & Recovery Institute (PRI), with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as part of PRI’s role as the coordinating technical assistance partner, in collaboration with researchers, subject matter experts, public health partners, and the Regional Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response.
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“Public Health Investigation”: Focus Group Study of a Regional Infectious Disease Exercise
This study evaluated a month-long, web-based infectious disease exercise used by local health departments to practice outbreak response from their own offices. Staff reported stronger coordination across counties, better understanding of surge capacity, and improved use of real-world tools and protocols. The format made training more realistic and easier to integrate into daily work compared to short, in-person drills. Key gaps included risk communication, especially for smaller departments, and confusion around exercise rules and technology. Participants recommended shorter exercises, clearer instructions, and more realistic elements like patient interviews. Overall, regional collaboration and working in real conditions were the biggest gains.
A novel framework for evaluating the impact of individual decision-making on public health outcomes and its potential application to study antiviral treatment collection during an influenza pandemic
This study developed a new way to model how people’s decisions affect public health outcomes during emergencies. The framework is based on the COM-B behavior model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation) and was tested using antiviral drug collection during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic in England. The model showed that increasing people’s awareness of disease risk (Capability) and improving access to treatment sites (Opportunity) could significantly increase antiviral collection rates. Better collection could reduce hospitalizations and deaths. The study highlights the importance of including human behavior in emergency planning and suggests collecting better behavioral data to guide future interventions
A retrospective cohort pilot study to evaluate a triage tool for use in a pandemic
This study tested a pandemic ICU triage protocol by applying it to past patient cases to see how it would perform under resource scarcity. The tool helped prioritize patients most likely to survive, with higher survival rates in top priority groups. It could significantly reduce demand on critical care, cutting ventilator use and ICU days by about half. However, decision-making was inconsistent, with frequent disagreement between clinicians and lower-than-expected confidence. Some patients who would have been denied care still survived, raising equity concerns. The study highlights the need for better training, clearer data, and protocol refinement before real-world use.
A Risk-Averse Shelter Location and Evacuation Routing Assignment Problem in an Uncertain Environment
This study develops a planning model to decide where to place shelters and how to route evacuees during disasters when demand is uncertain. It focuses on minimizing total evacuation time while avoiding congestion and overcrowding. The model accounts for real-world uncertainty by testing different demand scenarios and prioritizing solutions that still perform well under worst-case conditions. Results show that coordinated, system-level routing spreads traffic more evenly and reduces evacuation time compared to people choosing routes on their own. However, more risk-averse plans may increase overall travel time slightly in exchange for more reliable performance during extreme events.
A Strategic Approach to Public Health Workforce Development and Capacity Building
This article describes how CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention created a strategic, organization-wide approach to workforce development and capacity building. The strategy focused on three goals: recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce, strengthening staff skills at all levels, and promoting recognition and work–life balance. Programs included structured onboarding, leadership development, mentoring, coaching, technical training, and wellness initiatives. Regular evaluation and employee feedback guided improvements. For preparedness practitioners, the key lesson is that workforce development must be a visible leadership priority, supported by dedicated resources, continuous evaluation, and practical programs that build skills and morale.
A Train-the-Trainer Approach to Build Community Resilience to the Health Impacts of Climate Change in the Dominican Republic
This study tested a two-day training program to help community members in the Dominican Republic prepare for health risks caused by climate change. The program used a “train-the-trainer” model, where health professionals were trained first, then they taught community members. After the course, participants better understood local climate threats like hurricanes, heat, flooding, air pollution, and disease. They also felt more confident talking to others about climate health risks and protecting their families. The results show that practical, local training can build community knowledge, confidence, and resilience to climate-related health emergencies.
Addressing Health Care Workers’ Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions and Current Resources
This systematic review examined 118 evidence-based interventions designed to improve health care workers’ mental health. Most studies used strong research designs, and 76% reported significant improvements in stress, anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, or depression. Interventions focused on coping skills, mindfulness, and resilience training were most consistently effective, especially when using structured approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. Organizational-level interventions were less common than individual-focused programs. For preparedness leaders, the key lesson is that proactive, targeted mental health programs—especially those building coping and resilience skills—can meaningfully strengthen workforce capacity and sustainability during prolonged emergencies.
Addressing Systemic Inequities: An Evaluation of the Resilience Catalysts in Public Health Program
This evaluation examines the Resilience Catalysts (RC) in Public Health program, which helps local health departments operationalize the Community Health Strategist role to address structural racism and systemic inequities. Through tools such as root cause analysis, systems mapping, and cross-sector convening, RC sites strengthened partnerships, advanced equity-focused thinking, and built capacity to address upstream drivers of adversity. Essential elements included the Pair of ACEs framework, group model building, and collaborative planning. Success depended on community engagement, leadership buy-in, flexible funding, and supportive political contexts. For preparedness practitioners, the key lesson is to embed systems thinking, equity, and cross-sector collaboration into resilience planning.
Algorithm for planning shelters in oil and gas energy resource-based cities based on artificial intelligence resilient city model
This study tested a new way to plan disaster shelters in oil and gas cities using artificial intelligence . Researchers used an “artificial bee colony” algorithm to choose shelter locations, size, and resources based on risk, population, and transportation. Results showed improved disaster resilience (average score 0.64) and faster evacuation times, with most residents reaching shelters within about 10 minutes at 4 km distance. AI-based shelters also improved resource use, renewable energy use, and community participation compared to traditional planning. The study suggests AI tools can help planners design safer, more resilient shelters for high-risk industrial cities
Alternate Site Surge Capacity in Times of Public Health Disaster Maintains Trauma Center and Emergency Department Integrity: Hurricane Katrina
This study examines how an off-site medical facility helped manage a surge of patients after Hurricane Katrina without overwhelming hospitals. A temporary clinic at the Dallas Convention Center handled over 10,000 urgent visits, with very few patients needing transfer to hospitals. As shown by stable emergency department volumes (page 3), local hospitals were not overloaded despite the large influx. The site provided triage, treatment, and basic care, allowing hospitals to focus on critical cases. Key lessons include the need for strong coordination, staffing, supplies, and pre-planning. Overall, alternate care sites can safely expand capacity and protect hospital operations during disasters.