An overview of the establishment of a national contact tracing programme: a quality improvement approach in a time of pandemic

Martin, Jennifer; Carroll, Ciara; Khurshid, Zuneera; Moore, Gemma; Cosgrove, Grainne; Conway, Robert; Buckley, Claire; Browne, Mary; Flynn, Maureen; Doyle, Sheila

doi:10.12688/hrbopenres.13484.1

Cited by 4 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Training for contact tracing staff followed a quality improvement approach [2], which included continual evaluation of the training programme and delivery, and adaptations reflecting user feedback. Online training platforms including an open-source learning platform, a dedicated online development and learning platform, and email communication were used to deliver ongoing information updates.…”

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This combined call type was named call 2a, whereby a subset of epidemiological information normally taken in call 1 was collected and all contacts identified. This combined call was made by both categories of contact tracer [2].…”

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In relation to advising contacts and arranging tests, efficiencies introduced were to SMS the contact immediately on collection of their details at call 2, and later to provide an automated option for all contacts, whereby contacts received an SMS inviting them to use a portal to receive public health advice and to request a COVID PCR test (Fig 2). Contacts who did not engage in this process would be queued for a call 3 [2].…”

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) describes contact tracing as a key component in the approach to manage and contain the COVID-19 pandemic [1]. In recognition of this, the Irish health system rapidly developed and implemented a national COVID-19 contact tracing system [2]. A recent systematic review found that along with widespread testing and quarantine, contact tracing has been successful in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 and COVID-19 related deaths [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In line with international examples [15], contact tracers receive short induction training [2], which took place over one day in the first three weeks of the contact tracing operation, and which expanded into three days thereafter and are often supported by more experienced tracers, but some may lack previous experience of health care and/or dealing with sensitive issues. This has significant implications for the health and well-being of contact tracers themselves.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

Fulham-McQuillan,

O’Donovan,

Buckley

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

Self Cite

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Background Contact tracing is a key component in controlling the spread of COVID-19, however little research has focused on learning from the experiences of contact tracing staff. Harnessing learning from those in this role can provide valuable insights into the process of contact tracing and how best to support staff in this crucial role. Methods Thematic analysis was used to analyse 47 semi-structured interviews conducted with contact tracing staff via telephone or Zoom at three time points in 2021: March, May and September-October. Results Six themes related to the contact tracing role were identified, including training, workforce culture, systems issues, motivation and support. While initially nervous in the role, participants were motivated to contribute to the pandemic response and believed the role provided them with valuable transferable skills. Participants described the training as having improved over time while desiring more proactive training. Sources of frustration included a perceived lack of opportunity for feedback and involvement in process changes, feelings of low autonomy, and a perception of high staff turnover. Participants expressed a need for improved communication of formal emotional supports. Increased managerial support and provision of opportunities for career advancement may contribute to increased motivation among staff. Conclusions These findings identify the experiences of contact tracing staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and have important implications for the improvement of the contact tracing system. Recommendations based on learning from participants offer suggestions as to how best to support the needs of contact tracing staff during a pandemic response.

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Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Study Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

Fulham-McQuillan,

O’Donovan,

Buckley

et al. 2024

PLoS ONE

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Exploring the psychological impact of contact tracing work on staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Fulham-McQuillan

O’Donovan

Buckley

et al. 2023

BMC Health Serv Res

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Background Contact tracing is a key control measure in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While quantitative research has been conducted on the psychological impact of the pandemic on other frontline healthcare workers, none has explored the impact on contact tracing staff. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted using two repeated measures with contact tracing staff employed in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic using two-tailed independent samples t tests and exploratory linear mixed models. Results The study sample included 137 contact tracers in March 2021 (T1) and 218 in September 2021 (T3). There was an increase from T1 to T3 in burnout related exhaustion (p < 0·001), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom scores (p < 0·001), mental distress (p < 0·01), perceived stress (p < 0·001) and tension and pressure (p < 0·001). In those aged 18–30, there was an increase in exhaustion related burnout (p < 0·01), PTSD symptoms (p < 0·05), and tension and pressure scores (p < 0·05). Additionally, participants with a background in healthcare showed an increase in PTSD symptom scores by T3 (p < 0·001), reaching mean scores equivalent to those of participants who did not have a background in healthcare. Conclusions Contact tracing staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced an increase in adverse psychological outcomes. These findings highlight a need for further research on psychological supports required by contact tracing staff with differing demographic profiles.

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Patient Flow Management in Biological Events: A Scoping Review.

Hadinejad,

Farrokhi,

Saatchi

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Introduction: Biological Events affect large populations depending on transmission potential and propagation. A recent example of a biological event spreading globally is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had severe effects on the economy, society, and even politics ,in addition to its broad occurrence and fatalities. The aim of this systematic scoping review was to look into patient flow management techniques and approaches used globally in biological incidents. Methods: The current investigation was conducted based on the guidelines of PRISMA for Scoping Review ,which is also used for systematic review and meta-analysis studies. All articles released until March 31, 2023, were examined for this study, regardless of the year of publication. The authores were searched in databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and Google scholar search engine. Papers with subjects and keywords about patient flow management and patient management policies during epidemics were included in the inclusion criteria, while all non-English language publications including those with only English abstracts were excluded. Results: A total of 19231 articles were included in this study and after screening, 36 articles were eventually entered into the final analysis. 84 primary categories and subcategories were identified from the review of pertinent studies. To facilitate more precise analysis and understanding, factors were categorised into seven categories: patient flow simulation models, risk communication management, integrated ICT system establishment, collaborative interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach, systematic patient management, promotion of health information technology models, modification of triage strategies, and optimal resource and capacity management. Conclusion: Patient flow management during biological Events plays a crucial role in maintaining the performance of the healthcare system. When public health-threatening biological incidents occur, due to the high number of patients, it is essential to implement a holistic ,and integrated approach from rapid identification to treatment and discharge of patients.

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An overview of the establishment of a national contact tracing programme: a quality improvement approach in a time of pandemic

Cited by 4 publications

References 17 publications

Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

Exploring the needs and experiences of contact tracing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland

Exploring the psychological impact of contact tracing work on staff during the COVID-19 pandemic

Patient Flow Management in Biological Events: A Scoping Review.

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