Preparedness and response for outbreaks from the clinical perspective

Dr Carson will begin with reminding the audience why preparedness for outbreaks is required. For example the world has learnt yet another harsh lesson through the tragedy of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. She will then go on to discuss the role of the clinical frontline staff in maintaining vigilance for the beginning of outbreaks. The safety of healthcare staff will be underlined and examples given of safe Infection Prevention and Control measures. The need for standardised clinical data collection, real time data analysis with feedback to the clinical frontline will be highlighted. This will be discussed in the wider context of the need for an integrated clinical research response. The clinical research response is required to further the knowledge regarding e.g. disease pathogenesis and treatment to inform improved patient care and policy. All of these elements of response should sit within a timely and effective public health response. Therefore, strong links between the healthcare teams and public health teams will be emphasised.