Public health preparedness and response capacity inventory validity study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Management
• Emergency Preparedness

Background:

• Federal funding supports public health preparedness for bioterrorism.
• Assessing public health capacity is crucial for effective response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the validity of the Public Health Preparedness and Response Capacity Inventory.
• To identify key questions for assessing public health preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Criterion validity assessed by comparing inventory responses with agency documentation.
• Content validity assessed via mailed survey of public health officials.
• Evaluated the importance of specific inventory questions.

Main Results:

• The capacity inventory demonstrated generally upheld validity.
• Circumstantial threats to validity were identified during testing.
• Officials identified the most important questions for assessment.

Conclusions:

• The Public Health Preparedness and Response Capacity Inventory is a valid tool for assessing public health systems.
• The inventory, including an electronic version, aids in tracking progress towards critical capacities.
• Widespread use reported by state and local public health entities.