Volume 23, Number 7—July 2017
Perspective
Operational Research during the Ebola Emergency
Gabriel Fitzpatrick
, Tom Decroo, Bertrand Draguez, Rosa Crestani, Axelle Ronsse, Rafael Van den Bergh, and Michel Van Herp
, Tom Decroo, Bertrand Draguez, Rosa Crestani, Axelle Ronsse, Rafael Van den Bergh, and Michel Van Herp
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.
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