Public Health Systems Research
In previous newsletters, we have defined Public Health Systems Research (PHSR), given examples, and referenced the state of this new field. In this and in upcoming issues, we will feature some of the research being conducted at the 8 other PERRCs located within Schools of Public Health across the nation.
Public Health Adaptive Systems Studies (PHASYS)
The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health center focuses on creating and maintaining sustainable preparedness and response systems and generating criteria for performance metrics by: (1) developing adaptive systems indicators for local public health; (2) increasing the evidence base that demonstrates the impact of laws, policies, and ethical standards upon public health system preparedness; (3) developing and delivering an agent-based preparedness and adaptive response computational model of the public health preparedness and emergency response system, and (4) establishing a network of technical sensors, data transmission nodes and links, and organizational communication for a preparedness electronic dashboard. www.phasys.pitt.edu
Northwest Preparedness & Emergency Response Research Center (NWPERRC)
The University of Washington School of Public Health center focuses on improving communications in preparedness and response by studying communication methods between public health and healthcare agencies, particularly in diverse communities; examining the effective emergency communications with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) populations; and assessing the use of text messaging for public health emergencies, including for emergency risk communications or gathering surveillance data. www.nwcphp.org/research/nwperrc