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Volume 23, Number 7—July 2017
Perspective

Operational Research during the Ebola Emergency

Gabriel FitzpatrickComments to Author , Tom Decroo, Bertrand Draguez, Rosa Crestani, Axelle Ronsse, Rafael Van den Bergh, and Michel Van Herp
Author affiliations: Department of Public Health, Dublin, Ireland (G. Fitzpatrick); Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Center Brussels, Brussels, Belgium (G. Fitzpatrick, T. Decroo, B. Draguez, R. Crestani, A. Ronsse, R. Van den Bergh, M. Van Herp)

Main Article

Table

Operational research questions corresponding with the 6 pillars of Ebola outbreak control as observed by Médecins Sans Frontières*

Pillar of Ebola outbreak control
Key questions for operational research
Isolation of cases and supportive medical and mental health care in dedicated ETCs
Is it possible to provide isolation for case-patients outside the ETC setting, such as in the community?
Survivors of Ebola can suffer from physical and psychological side effects. How can their follow-up care be most effectively carried out?
Contact tracing
Which methods of contact tracing can provide the most comprehensive, relevant, and timely data in the field setting?
Raising awareness in the community
What novel methods of communications should be used for raising awareness and promoting health?
A functioning surveillance and alert system
How can communities be convinced to participate in the alert system in an effective manner?
Infection control in communities and ETCs
For how long does Ebola virus remain infectious in the environment of ETCs and the houses of case-patients?
Maintaining healthcare for non-Ebola patients What is the efficacy, efficiency, safety, and feasibility of triage systems in non-Ebola health structures?

*ETC, Ebola treatment center.

Main Article

Page created: June 19, 2017
Page updated: June 19, 2017
Page reviewed: June 19, 2017
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
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