Work Packages
WP1 Coordination
Work package lead: Anna Katz and Outi Karvonen (project managers), Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, sharp@thl.fi
Co-Coordinators: INMI, RKI
WP2 Communication and dissemination
Work package lead: Public Health Wales – affiliated to DH/PHE Giri Shankar giri.shankar(at)wales.nhs.uk
Co-lead: THL
Work package lead: HCDCP(KEELPNO) Eleonora Hadjipaschali, e.chatzipaschali(at)keelpno.gr
WP4 Integration in National Policies and Sustainability
Work package lead: MOH-FR, Marie-Denise Maass, marie-denise.maass@sante.gouv.fr
Co-lead: RIVM
WP5 IHR core capacity strengthening and assessment
Work package lead: FOHM Anders Wallensten, anders.wallensten(at)folkhalsomyndigheten.se
Co-lead: HD
WP6 Preparedness and Response planning
Work package lead: RIVM Aura Timen, sharp(at)rivm.nl
Co-lead: Marion Koopmans and ISCIII (ES)
WP7 Laboratory preparedness and responsiveness
Work package lead: RKI Roland Grunow
Co-lead: INMI
WP8 Training and local exercises, exchange of working practices
Work package lead: IPHS Milena Vasic, milena_vasic(at)batut.org.rs
Co-lead: RKI
WP9 Chemical safety and chemical threats
Work package lead: DH Eirian Thomas, eirian.thomas(at)phe.gov.uk
Co-lead: NIJZ
WP10 Case management and infection prevention and control preparedness
Work package lead: INMI Antonino Di Caro, antonino.dicaro(at)inmi.it
WP 1 Coordination
Objectives
A well-coordinated Joint Action (SHARP) with functioning management, including timely reporting, budget control and support for successful implementation will be established.
Outputs & activities
SHARP involves 26 associated partners and 35 affiliated entities from 26 countries as well as 10 collaborating stakeholders. The SHARP actions are organized into five core work packages (WP 5, 6, 7, 9, 10).
The Coordinator ensures that the project work packages work together in order to gain the objectives of the Joint Action.
The Coordinator leads the project with the support of the steering committee, oversees the execution of the Work Packages and may take part in their execution, as appropriate. The Coordinator will facilitate the building of country ownership together with the Work Package leaders.
Activities
- Kick-off meeting
- Two Partnership Forums
- 14 Steering Committee meetings
- Four Advisory Board meetings
- Interim report
- Thematic meeting on preparedness and IHR strengthening during Finnish EU Presidency (autumn 2019); organized together with WP2
- Closing conference
- Final report
Tasks of the coordinator
- Monitor that the action is implemented properly;
- Act as the intermediary for all communications between the beneficiaries and the Agency, unless the Grant Agreement specifies otherwise;
- Request and review any documents or information required by the Agency and verify their completeness and correctness before passing them on to the Agency;
- Submit the deliverables and reports to the Agency;
- Ensure that all payments are made to the other beneficiaries without unjustified delay;
- Inform the Agency of the amounts paid to each beneficiary, when required.
The management structure of the JA consists of THL Coordination Team, Steering Committee, Advisory Board and Partnership Forum. In addition, each WP has its own leadership and internal meetings/teleconferences.
Deliverables
- Interim report – Progress report for the first 18 months of the JA
- Final report – Final report of the action
Milestones
- Kick-off meeting
- Establishment of Steering Committee and Advisory Board
- Consortium agreement
- Partnership Forums
- Closing conference
Work package lead: THL, Anna Katz and Outi Karvonen (project managers), Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, sharp@thl.fi
News
SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
SHARP Partnership Forum June 2020
In June, the SHARP JA Partnership Forum met for the second time to discuss the progress of the action. This follows the first Partnership Forum held in Vilnius, Lithuania in July… Read more SHARP Partnership Forum June 2020WP2 Communication and dissemination
Objectives
To achieve efficient and effective visibility, awareness and acceptance of the project to internal and external stakeholders.
Outputs & activities
A specific and appropriate communications and dissemination strategy ensuring visibility for, and awareness of, the project will be developed, implemented and evaluated. The outcome of this will mean greater awareness of the Joint Action and its benefits to the European population.
The communications WP aims to generate long term, sustainable benefits by increasing communications and dissemination capability and capacity across the work packages.
The intention is to leave a blueprint for effective programme communications for future Joint Actions in collaboration with WP4.
The Work package will address:
- Dissemination about the project, its events, reports and results
- Communication of key messages to relevant audiences, about the substance of the JA, including recommendations
Deliverables
- Leaflet to promote the action
- Website to inform about and promote the Joint Action
- Layman report of the final report
- A blueprint of dissemination for future Joint Actions
- Final communication and dissemination report
Milestones
- Stakeholder analysis
- Communications plan
- Communication channel strategy
Work package lead: Public Health Wales – affiliated to DH/PHE
Co-lead: THL
News
Tackling COVID-19 Fatigue
On 29 April 2021, Work Package 2 of the SHARP Joint Action held a webinar exploring the themes and key strategy areas set out in the WHO EU COVID-19 Fatigue framework. The… Read more Tackling COVID-19 Fatigue
Improving risk communication through trust and clarity
The importance of Risk Communications has come to the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Risk Communication has been identified as one of the core… Read more Improving risk communication through trust and clarity
COVID-19 Fatigue Webinar
On 29 April 2021,10:00-12:30 (CEST) SHARP joint action will host a webinar that explores the key themes outlined in the WHO EURO COVID-19 Fatigue framework. The purpose of the webinar will be… Read more COVID-19 Fatigue WebinarWP3 Evaluation of the action
Objectives
To perform a systematic and objective assessment of the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, economic and financial viability, as well as sustainability of the project in the context of its objectives.
Outputs & activities
The expected results of this Work Package are:
- An evaluation plan/strategy and interface developed to be used by all project partners
- Methods and tools for internal project progress monitoring, quality assurance indexing and internal evaluation procedures developed
- The project’s progress and timekeeping monitored
- Intermediate and final project results and outcomes evaluated
- Possible deficiencies in work packages’ tasks identified, as well as mitigation strategies proposed, so that deliverables meet set quality
Deliverables
- Evaluation plan
A developed and approved evaluation plan including objectives, methodology, indicators and time plan. The evaluation plan will be based on a baseline assessment.
- Midterm internal evaluation reports
The interim report will serve to fine tune and adjust activities and priorities in the second half of the JA. It will be a formative review of the progress, achieved up to that point, in relation to budget criteria, quality criteria, time and effectiveness criteria. The report will also provide recommendation for improvements in the second half of the project, where applicable. It will be drafted in the end of each year.
- Final internal evaluation report
Final evaluation report will include the comprehensive assessment to what extent the aims and objectives are met. It will be a summary review of all activities conducted. The report will examine the project’s achievements, vis-a-vis the original planning. The final report will include a tool that can be used to evaluate the project impact beyond its duration.
- Midterm external evaluation report
The external evaluators will draft in the middle of the project duration a report stating the progress so far.
- Final external evaluation report
The final findings of the impact assessment will be reported. It will depict the assessment of the project achievements in relation to the results planned, identify strengths and weaknesses as well as factors that have impeded the achievement of the planned objectives.
Milestones
- Planning meeting with WP leads
- Evaluation plan
- External evaluation mobilized
- Presentation of the internal evaluation results
Work package lead: EODY/NPHO
Tackling COVID-19 Fatigue
On 29 April 2021, Work Package 2 of the SHARP Joint Action held a webinar exploring the themes and key strategy areas set out in the WHO EU COVID-19 Fatigue framework. The… Read more Tackling COVID-19 FatigueSHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
Developing EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely example
Preparedness for epidemics is built on consistent collaboration between countries and sectors. Although the EU countries have developed their preparedness as well as capacities to prevent epidemics, there are always new… Read more Developing EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely exampleWP4 Integration in National Policies and Sustainability
Objectives
The specific objective of this WP is to integrate best practices on International Health Regulations (IHR) and preparedness in national policies and improve cooperation mechanisms between EU Member states.
Outputs & activities
The purpose of this WP is to build a sustainability plan, to ensure uptake and sustainability of the Joint Action outcomes from WP5 to WP10 at EU, national and/or regional level, and enabling to comply with the implementation of the IHR (2005) and relating Decision 1082/2013/EU.
Activities include selection of best practices and the development of the SHARP sustainability plan.
Deliverables
- Sustainability guidance tool
Guidance tool to ensure that sustainability is taken into consideration by all WPs throughout the Joint action.
- Sustainability Report
Sustainability Report on SHARP sustainability strategy, that will include for each topic (i.e. each WP) priorities and concrete examples of integration into national plans and for regional organizations, including required training and communication strategies.
Milestones
- Workshop on guidance tool
- MS14 report on selected priority outcomes
- Approval of sustainability plan
People and partners
Work package lead: MOH-FR, Marie-Denise Maass, marie-denise.maass@sante.gouv.fr
Co-lead: RIVM
Updates
Draft guidance tool on sustainability was presented during the second Advisory Board meeting in Helsinki (October 2019) and submitted after comments to the European Commission. It will be tested in practice, and developed further according to the results.
News
SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever beforeWP5 IHR core capacity strengthening and assessment
Objectives
Specific objective of this work package is to improve core capacity in EU Member States as required by IHR and Decision 1082/2013/ EU.
Outputs & activities
Within the work package, up to twelve selected lower GNI countries will be funded for participation in the planned workshops and teleconferences/webinars and for preparatory work in between.
The activities will be divided into four main parts; the first part focusing on increasing knowledge about the evaluation process and best practice in preparation it, the second part focusing on post-evaluation follow up of joint identified weaknesses in core capacities, the third part focusing on cross country collaboration in emergencies, the fourth part on assessing the usefulness of including exercises and after action reviews in evaluations of preparedness.
- Participating lower GNI countries who have not conducted a Joint External Evaluation (JEE) supported to get prepared for an external assessment of their IHR Core Capacity, i.e. JEE or other agreed standardised external evaluation process; countries helped in the assessment of capacity for future development and sustainability of necessary core capacity as required by IHR and Decision 1082/2013/EU;
- Participating lower GNI countries that have conducted a JEE; assisted by addressing problem areas identified in the post JEE country reports.
- Challenges in national and international collaboration between governments and national authorities identified, and measures elaborated for the operationalization of obligations related to response from health systems, cross-sectoral efforts and effective assistance between Member States when needed.
- The usefulness of using information from national and international exercises and after action reviews in assessing the state of public health preparedness in the EU evaluated.
Deliverables
- Work plan
Detailed work plan of WP5 including activities to determine the challenges and gaps that must be addressed to improve IHR implementation and response and preparedness planning. - Reports on improving IHR implementation
Reports on knowledge and practices and added value of external evaluation processes and facilitating strengthening of selected core capacities in the EU and neighbouring countries - Report on international collaboration between authorities during crises
- Report on the use of exercises and AAR as part of monitoring for IHR (2005) core capacities and implementation of Decision 1082/2013/EU at the European level
Milestones
- WP5 Workshop 1
- Table-top exercise
- WP5 Workshop 2
- WP5 Workshop 3
Work package lead: FOHM
People and partners
Work package lead: FOHM Anders Wallensten, anders.wallensten(at)folkhalsomyndigheten.se
Co-lead: HD
Updates
A Background Paper (October 2019) presented an analysis of IHR strengths and weaknesses among the WP5 countries based on country SPAR and JEE reports and telephone interviews.
The first of three annual workshops Annual Workshop 1 of 3 on IHR Core Capacity Strengthening and Assessment took place in Riga, Latvia (January 2020). Forty-five professionals representing 15 countries shared insight on their own country’s IHR implementation, current challenges and future work. The areas of focus were AMR-Stewardship, Risk Communication, Chemicals and Biosafety and Biosecurity. The second workshop, on risk communications, took place in March 2021.
A tool based on the WHO-Benchmarking resource for countries to report their assessment scores from SPAR and select individual activities in the four areas during the JA was presented.
News
Improving risk communication through trust and clarity
The importance of Risk Communications has come to the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, Risk Communication has been identified as one of the core… Read more Improving risk communication through trust and clarityCOVID-19 Fatigue Webinar
On 29 April 2021,10:00-12:30 (CEST) SHARP joint action will host a webinar that explores the key themes outlined in the WHO EURO COVID-19 Fatigue framework. The purpose of the webinar will be… Read more COVID-19 Fatigue WebinarSHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever beforeWP6 Preparedness and Response planning
Objectives
The specific objective of WP6 is to support EU MS and JA partner countries in developing operational inter-sectoral preparedness and response plans for serious cross-border health threats with an integrated all hazards approach.
Outputs & activities
- Development of an integrated multi-sectoral preparedness and response plan
- Lessons learned from COVID-19 with particular focus on understanding the decision-making process and multi-sectoral collaboration
- e-learnings and table-top exercise protocols, using different methods for multi-sectoral collaboration developed, tested and evaluated
- Best practices guidelines on multi-sectoral collaboration, for integrated Preparedness and Response planning are provided to all participating countries. These are based on the lessons learned from COVID-19 and can be used for continuous learning through implemented e-learnings and tabletop exercises.
Deliverables
- Review of planning and evaluation tools
Review of integrated evidence-based planning and evaluation tools and for Preparedness and Response cycle
Milestones
- Lessons learned from Covid-19 evaluated
- All hazards e-learning tool launched
- WP6 workshops conducted
- Table-top exercises conducted
People and partners
Work package lead: RIVM
Bettie Voordouw sharp(at)rivm.nl
Sandra Kamga sharp(at)rivm.nl
Jorrit Kabel, jorrit.kabel@rivm.nl
Co-lead: Marion Koopmans and ISCIII (ES)
Updates
- Identifying core elements of an integrated multi-sectoral preparedness and response plan
- Workshop on multi-sectoral collaboration:
A successful digital workshop took place in April 2020 with approximately 40 registrations.
- Literature review on tools and instruments for preparedness and response focusing on multi-sectoral collaboration has been completed in January 2021.
- Understanding the factors that contribute to the similarities and differences in SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies across Europe – interviews of professionals in several countries were conducted in spring 2021.
- Understanding the citizen’s role during preparedness for, and response to, the Covid-19 pandemic – focus group discussions organised with citizens in 8 countries were conducted in spring 2021.
- Survey ongoing among all countries to gather lessons learned about multi-sectoral collaboration during Covid-19.
News
SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
Workshop on Inter-sectoral collaboration
In April, Work Package 6 of the SHARP Joint Action held a short series of online workshops to discuss inter-sectoral preparedness and collaboration across EU member states and neighbouring countries. The workshop… Read more Workshop on Inter-sectoral collaborationDeveloping EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely example
Preparedness for epidemics is built on consistent collaboration between countries and sectors. Although the EU countries have developed their preparedness as well as capacities to prevent epidemics, there are always new… Read more Developing EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely exampleWP7 Laboratory preparedness and responsiveness
Objectives
Strengthened laboratory preparedness and responsiveness to detect highly pathogenic infectious agents of Risk Group 3 (RG3) bacteria/Risk Group 4 (RG4) viruses with quality assured methods in laboratories of Member States and SHARP JA partner countries, and evaluating new diagnostic approaches and improving biosafety procedures.
Specific objectives:
- To ensure the application of best practices and quality assured methods in detection and analyses of highly pathogenic infectious agents in laboratories of SHARP JA partner
- To improve and consolidate the biorisk management in laboratories of SHARP JA partner countries dedicated to the diagnostics of highly pathogenic infectious
Outputs & activities
The work package will be structured in specific tasks with task leaders, task co-leaders, and working groups for specific sub-tasks. Special funding will be given to task leaders and co-leaders as well as designated working group leaders to carry out specific activities together with other partners, while basic funding will be given to all partners to cover essential activities like participation in meetings, shipment of samples for External Quality assurance Exercises (EQAE) and the repository. Special attention will be given for partners from low GNI MS for their implementation in the various tasks of the WP.
Deliverables
- Report on assurance of high quality of diagnostic
Report on assurance of high quality of diagnostics for highly infectious pathogens applied in microbiological laboratories of participating SHARP JA countries by conducting annual EQAEs.
- Report on modern molecular diagnostic methods
Report on assessment of and recommendations for application of modern molecular diagnostic methods, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
- Recommendations for risk management
Recommendations for risk management and risk reduction in diagnostics of highly pathogenic agents.
Milestones
- Implementation of EQAEs
- Specific diagnostic tasks
- Programme for self-evaluation of laboratory biosecurity
People and partners
Work package lead: RKI Roland Grunow, JA-SHARP(at)rki.de
Co-lead: INMI
Updates
External Quality assurance Exercises (EQAEs)
Two EQAEs have been conducted (Feb-March 2020 and May-June 2021).
Diagnostic approaches
Assessment of diagnostic capabilities has been performed.
Working Group on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)
A SARS-CoV-2 specific sequencing protocol was set up and used for rapid informed public health decision making in the Netherlands and to investigate several outbreaks including outbreaks on mink farms. Also, an automated data analysis tool was developed to enable real-time data analysis to generate consensus sequences. This pipeline has been released in GISAID (https://github.com/dnieuw/ENA_SARS_Cov2_nanopore).
Working Group on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST):
A study design for the testing of strain collections was developed. Reference strains were tested to establish the methods at all partner laboratories and to be able to perform inter-laboratory method validation.
Collaboration with European Committee for AST (EUCAST) was established, and two AST methods for the definition of breakpoints were selected for three Risk Group 3 bacteria. The Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for two Risk Group 3 bacteria have been finalized and validation was performed at the partner labs.
News
Workshop on laboratory preparedness and responsiveness held online
In early December 2020, Work package 7 (WP7) of the SHARP joint action held an online workshop on laboratory preparedness and responsiveness involving nearly all partners of the laboratory network focusing… Read more Workshop on laboratory preparedness and responsiveness held onlineDeveloping EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely example
Preparedness for epidemics is built on consistent collaboration between countries and sectors. Although the EU countries have developed their preparedness as well as capacities to prevent epidemics, there are always new… Read more Developing EU level preparedness is about collaboration, learning and acknowledging the best practices – coronavirus is a timely example
SHARP and EMC provide support in laboratory diagnostics for COVID-19
SHARP wants to support its partners and EU Member States in laboratory diagnostics for COVID-19. Our SHARP partner, Erasmus Medical Center in the Netherlands, has kindly offered their help by providing… Read more SHARP and EMC provide support in laboratory diagnostics for COVID-19WP8 Training and local exercises, exchange of working practices
Objectives
The specific objective of the WP8 is strengthening International Health Regulations (IHR) implementation for serious cross-border health threats in the JA partner countries through cross-sectoral basic and advanced trainings.
Outputs & activities
Expected results:
- The level of IHR capacities to prevent, prepare, detect and respond to cross-border threats to health improved
- Practices related to IHR capacity building exchanged with the special emphasis to strengthening the capacities of countries with GNI less than 90% of EU average
Deliverables
- Report on training needs
Report on assessment of the cross-sectoral training needs across countries
- Final training report
Final report on all training provided in WP8, including the training packages and on-line platform
- Basic and advanced training curricula
Report on curricula developed for basic and advanced face-to-face and on-line training
Milestones
- Basic and advanced trainings conducted
- Online platform for training
- WP8 meetings
People and partners
Work package lead: IPHS Milena Vasic, milena_vasic(at)batut.org.rs
Co-lead: RKI
Updates
Cross-sectoral training needs assessment has been conducted using available documents (Joint External Evaluations, Self-Assessment Annual Reports SPAR, ECDC technical assessments etc.); A draft of an inventory of existing IHR-related training activities and materials has been prepared.
Curriculum of basic face to face IHR Training was developed. It includes five on-line sessions. Advanced chemical training and exercise are being prepared.
First session of on-line basic training was held in June–July 2020 with 54 participants.
A tabletop exercise on infodemic in early 2021.
News
COVID-19 Fatigue Webinar
On 29 April 2021,10:00-12:30 (CEST) SHARP joint action will host a webinar that explores the key themes outlined in the WHO EURO COVID-19 Fatigue framework. The purpose of the webinar will be… Read more COVID-19 Fatigue WebinarSHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
Planning of trainings kicks off in Serbia – cross-sectoral collaboration to be strengthened
The planning of trainings organised as part of SHARP Joint Action kicked off with a meeting in Serbia on November 12-13. Trainings, local exercises as well as exchange of working practices… Read more Planning of trainings kicks off in Serbia – cross-sectoral collaboration to be strengthenedWP9 Chemical safety and chemical threats
Objectives
The specific objective of WP9 is to improve implementation of IHR chemical core capacities, strengthening preparedness and response to cross-border chemical health threats across the EU.
Deliverables
- Fact-finding report
A report detailing the current state of play with regard to cross-border chemical health threat preparedness at the EU and Member State level.
- Chemical laboratory response network – scoping report
A report outlining the desirability and the feasibility to set-up a European chemical laboratory network to respond to serious chemical health threats.
- Final report
A report detailing of SOPs; summaries of reports (e.g. on surveillance and training materials); as well as approaches to ensure sustainability.
- Report on SOPs developed
Milestones
- WP9 Joint meeting with partners and other WPs
- Stakeholder consultation
- WP9 Training and exercise materials
- Surveillance strategy report
- WP9 workshops
- Mechanisms for cross-border chemical health threat preparedness
- Training and exercises report
People and partners
Work package lead:
DH Eirian Thomas, eirian.thomas(at)phe.gov.uk
Tom Gaulton, Tom.Gaulton@phe.gov.uk
Co-lead: NIJZ
Updates
Surveillance of chemical incidents
A questionnaire to assess IHR capacities with regard to chemicals including chemical surveillance has been developed. The questionnaire also explores current/ required chemical laboratory networks. The results will guide the fact-finding report and inform the chemical laboratory response network scoping report.
News
SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever before
The COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated in Europe in February-March 2020, has affected all countries involved in the SHARP JA, and the crisis is still ongoing. Many SHARP partners have had to… Read more SHARP Joint Action reports on progress in the midst of a pandemic – preparedness to health threats more important than ever beforeWP10 Case management and infection prevention and control preparedness
Objectives
The specific objective of this WP is to improve clinical and biorisk management, hospital preparedness and response to high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID).
Outputs & activities
WP10 activities will strengthen case management and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Preparedness in participating countries.
The WP contributes to the overall and comprehensive strengthening of the International Health Regulations (IHR) through several activities coordinated and integrated with other WPs.
Deliverables
- Report on existing facilities
Report on the assessment of existing facilities, including mapping
- Feasibility study report
Report on feasibility study for an expert clinical support service for high-consequence infectious diseases
- Report on syndrome-based approach
Milestones
- Protocol for assessment of facilities
- Data collection on hospital preparedness
- Protocol for feasibility study
- Protocols for syndrome-based approach
People and partners
Work package lead: INMI Francesco Vairo, francesco.vairo(at)inmi.it)
Updates
Mapping of existing facilities
• Classification of two level of clinical care of high-consequence infectious diseases (“first line” and High-Level Isolation Units)
• Strengthening collaboration between public officers/public stakeholders
Assessment of hospital preparedness for high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID)
• Elaboration of standard definition for High-Level Isolation Units/referral centres
• Elaboration of a questionnaire to deliver to different health facilities
• Evaluation of a standard drug procurement policy for HCID
Covid-19 survey for hospitals
In the beginning of March 2020, a Covid-19 survey with three questionnaires was developed in collaboration with DG SANTE. The topics were: Clinical management, Post-exposure prophylaxis and Discharge policy. The questionnaires were distributed by the Coordinator to WHO/EURO IHR National Focal Points in EU/EEA and SHARP partner countries, and the survey was shared by DG SANTE with the Health Security Committee (HSC). Anyhow, the timing of the survey was unfortunate as all hospitals were getting prepared for Covid-19, and the response rate was low.