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Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Lessons from the reestablishment of Public Health Laboratory activities in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria
Margaret C Hardy1,2,3, Rita C Stinnett1,4, Kristine J Kines1,5,6
1Laboratory Leadership Service Fellowship, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
Abstract:
Public Health Laboratories (PHLs) in Puerto Rico did not escape the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria. We implemented a quality management system (QMS) approach to systematically reestablish laboratory testing, after evaluating structural and functional damage. PHLs were inoperable immediately after the storm. Our QMS-based approach began in October 2017, ended in May 2018, and resulted in the reestablishment of 92% of baseline laboratory testing capacity. Here, we share lessons learned from the historic recovery of the largest United States' jurisdiction to lose its PHL capacity, and provide broadly applicable tools for other jurisdictions to enhance preparedness for public health emergencies.
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