Applying the Surge Capacity Components for Capacity-Building Purposes in the Context of the EMT Initiative

Area of Science:

• Global Health Security
• Disaster Medicine
• Public Health Preparedness

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and Member States recognized the need to expand the Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative.
• Investment in a global health workforce and multidisciplinary teams is crucial for rapid response to all-hazard emergencies.
• A comprehensive framework was needed to guide the expansion and effective deployment of medical teams.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define a comprehensive framework for the WHO Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Initiative.
• To apply the four components of Surge Capacity (Staff, Systems, Supplies, Structure/Space) to build global capacities.
• To ensure rapid mobilization and efficient coordination of national and international medical teams for readiness and response.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing expert consensus through focus group discussions (FGDs).
• Research was conducted between 2021 and July 2022.
• A detailed process analysis was performed for applying surge capacity components to build global capacities and capabilities.

Main Results:

• The study highlighted similarities between surge capacity and capacity building, unifying these concepts within the EMT Initiative.
• A standardized formal pathway was developed to enhance local, regional, and global capacities for emergency readiness and response.
• The developed framework successfully integrated essential components of surge capacity and capacity building, demonstrating adaptability to various settings.

Conclusions:

• The established framework offers a unified and replicable approach for all-hazard emergency readiness and response.
• This framework supports the WHO EMT Initiative's goal of strengthening global health security.
• The approach ensures compliance with crisis standards of care in an ethical and evidence-based manner.