Learning about after action reporting from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic: a workshop summary

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Emergency Preparedness

Background:

• State and local health departments utilize After Action Reports/Improvement Plans (AAR/IPs) to evaluate responses to public health emergencies.
• The 2009 H1N1 pandemic highlighted the need to analyze and refine the AAR/IP process for enhanced effectiveness.

Framework:

• Analysis of AAR/IPs revealed significant variations in understanding intended use, scope, timing, and format.
• Differences were also noted in the extent to which root cause analyses were conducted and the methodologies employed.

Implementation:

• Workshop participants, comprising state and local health department personnel, discussed their AAR/IP experiences and methods.
• Participants reflected on how they would alter their AAR/IP process if redoing their 2009 H1N1 report.

Implications:

• AAR/IPs serve dual roles in accountability and quality improvement, necessitating distinct approaches.
• Federal agencies should provide clearer guidance on AAR/IP purpose, scope, and timing, alongside developing training and exemplary cases for root cause analysis in public health emergency preparedness.