Online Program

295236
Public health preparedness and interdisciplinary collaboration at the Boston marathon bombings: A case study


Wednesday, November 6, 2013 : 1:30 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

S. Atyia Martin, MPS, EMT-B, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
Stacey Kokaram, MPH, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
Michael Colanti, MBA, CEM, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
Mea Allen, MA, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
Caitlin Corneliess, MPH, Office of Public Health Preparedness, Boston Public Health Commission, Boston, MA
Background: The Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP) at the Boston Public Health Commission is responsible for coordinating the Public Health and Medical Services emergency support function for the City of Boston. This presentation will employ a case study method in order to provide in-depth analysis describing how public health, healthcare, and community partners applied emergency preparedness principles to the response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the Boston bombings on April 15, 2013.

Methods: This case study reviews qualitative data collected as part of an evaluation process that OPHP undertook in the months following the Boston Marathon. Data were gathered through surveys, in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document review. Results were coded based on national guidance.

Results/Outcomes: This qualitative analysis reinforces that collaboration and preparedness across public health and healthcare disciplines were instrumental in the response and recovery to the Marathon Bombing. Results of the analysis are structured using the Public Health Preparedness Capabilities (developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Healthcare Preparedness Capabilities (developed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response).

Conclusions: The conclusions of this case study show the importance of collaboration and preparedness across public health and healthcare disciplines during an emergency. Public health preparedness programs aim to meet the mental/behavioral, physical, and social health needs of those living, working, and visiting local communities during a disaster. This analysis provides lessons learned that may inform other public health agencies.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the importance of collaboration and preparedness across public health and healthcare disciplines. Describe how to apply public health preparedness standards to planning and preparedness efforts. Apply lessons learned from the Boston Marathon bombing to enhance response and recovery efforts.

Keyword(s): Disasters, Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal investigator on multiple federally funded grants focused on public health preparedness that fund the Office of Public Health Preparedness (OPHP) at the Boston Public Health Commission. In the role as director for OPHP I lead coordination for Emergency Support Function 8 (Health/Medical) for Boston.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.