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Evaluating Peer Networks Among New Local Health Officials: Assessing Relationships in Responding to Local Health Crises Following Leadership and Managerial Training
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| Presenter(s):
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| Sue Ann Sarpy, Sarpy and Associates LLC, ssarpy@tulane.edu
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| Alicia Stachowski, George Mason University, astachow@gmu.edu
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| Seth Kaplan, Geroge Mason University, skaplan1@gmu.edu
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| Abstract:
Unlike evaluation efforts focusing only on proximal outcomes, the Survive and Thrive training program evaluation for new Local Health Officers (LHOs) assesses more distal measures of program impact. A component of this evaluation focuses on assessing the extent to which the program fosters relationship-building among LHOs. These social and informational relationships are critical to the LHO’s success, especially during public health crises. Thirty-eight LHOs participating in this nationwide program reported their use of fellow trainees and coaches as sources of knowledge, advice, and support six months following training. Participants also reported the extent to which these relationships were utilized in responding to the H1N1 crisis. Social network analyses were conducted to identify and examine these networks. Qualitative information also was gathered regarding how to foster these relationships over time. Implications of these findings will be discussed with respect to developing and evaluating social networks in workforce development and leadership training initiatives.
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Disaster Resilience Evaluation: an example from Miami-Dade faith and community-based organizations
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| Presenter(s):
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| Michael Burke, RTI International, mburke@rti.org
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| Joe Eyerman, RTI International, eyerman@rti.org
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| Brian Burke, RTI International, bjb@rti.org
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| Abstract:
During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the role of local faith-based and community organizations received attention due to the scale, speed, and extent of their response efforts. As a result, local organizations are now recognized in federal policies for their potential role in helping communities prepare for and respond to disasters. However, because federal guidelines focus on flexibility and local planning, specific guidance about developing partnerships to structure planning and response activities is not provided. An example of a multifaceted approach to assessing and evaluating a Department of Homeland Security funded resilience building project in Miami will be presented. In addition to a project overview, issues related to the justification of the sample selected, the survey questions asked, and the organizations to be included in a social network map will be examined. A draft management model to promote resilience will be presented and issues related to evaluation quality will be discussed.
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First Responder Immediate Psychological Trauma: How Are We Helping? A Meta-analysis
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| Presenter(s):
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| Lynne Wighton, Vanderbilt University, lynne.g.wighton@vanderbilt.edu
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| Abstract:
This meta-analysis examines the effects of Psychological Debriefing on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms reported by First Responders (e.g., firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians). Psychological Debriefings are meetings held to help ameliorate emotional consequences soon after events that may be traumatic.
Psychological Debriefing is endemic in the First Responder culture; however research on its effects is mixed. Preliminary analysis shows no measurable effect of Psychological Debriefing on subsequent measures of PTSD and related symptoms. To date there is no other meta-analysis on Psychological Debriefing that limits the subject pool to First Responders.
This meta-analysis highlights gaps in the literature about Psychological Debriefing and its effects on First Responders: lack of demographic data, debriefing protocols, and shortcomings in research design (no randomized trials and unreported data on the comparability of treatment and control groups). Further investigation regarding the efficacy of psychological debriefing for First Responders is warranted.
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