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  • PHO: Slowing the spread - A risk-based case prioritization model to manage surging cases of COVID-19

PHO: Slowing the spread - A risk-based case prioritization model to manage surging cases of COVID-19

  • 23 Sep 2021
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Webinar

PHO Rounds: Slowing the spread: A risk-based case prioritization model to manage surging cases of COVID-19

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, surges in case counts have strained public health resources. Maintaining comprehensive case and contact management, including rapid isolation of cases and their close contacts, required York Region Public Health to develop and implement innovative strategies to avoid disrupting core outbreak management work.

Detailed operational-level analysis of data obtained from the provincial Case and Contact Management solution, coupled with continuous improvement of existing processes allowed the health unit to implement a robust case prioritization model through the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This model supported effective case and contact management practices. This presentation outlines the analyses completed to develop the case prioritization model, strategies used in its implementation and the lessons learned. The information offers other health units support for developing local response strategies for surges of COVID-19 cases. 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify variables where COVID-19 cases may be prioritized for investigation at the local level.
  2. Describe how York Region leveraged the Case and Contact Management system to prioritize cases during the surge of the third wave.
  3. Consider how to develop an agile approach to case investigation to enable an effective response to an evolving local situation.

Presenter(s): Jennifer Clark, Scott Cholewa and Andrea Main

Scott Cholewa, MA, BHSc, DPA, is currently an Operations Chief for York Region Public Health’s COVID-19 response and the Acting Director of the Infectious Diseases Control Division. He has over 14 years of experience in public health and social policy, with the last six years spent in infectious diseases control. 

Andrea Main
, MN, RN, is currently an Operations Chief for York Region Public Health’s COVID-19 response. When it isn’t a pandemic, Andrea manages the Control of Infectious Diseases and Outbreak Management program which is responsible for the investigation of cases, contacts and outbreaks associated with the diseases of public health significance. 

Jennifer Clark, MN, RN, is a registered nurse who has worked in public health for 18 years. Over her career she has developed a passion for continuous quality improvement, aiming to support the implementation of innovative strategies wherever possible. During the COVID-19 response she has acted as manager to the Strategic Operations Support team, working in collaboration with the teams across York Region’s response to maintain an agile response with a focus on quality. 

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Accreditation

Public Health Ontario Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca .

Accessibility

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or capacitybuilding@oahpp.ca .



Register Here

 


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