Workforce Perspectives on Local Authority Provision of Public Health Intelligence During COVID-19

Introduction:<br/>COVID-19 provided an impetus to improve emergency response capabilities. During the pandemic, local authorities (LAs) responded to limit virus spread and to mitigate its impacts by providing public health intelligence (PHI). Few studies have examined the experience of staff involved in this. <br/><br/>Aim:<br/>This study sought to contribute evidence to support policy and practice development around sub-national provision of PHI during an infectious disease emergency by investigating staff’s experiences of providing PHI during COVID-19.<br/><br/>Methods:<br/>This was a mixed methods, sequential, exploratory, study. It involved LA case studies and an anonymous online survey. The primary data collection method for the case studies was semi-structured interviews. Qualitative data from case studies and the survey was analysed by inductive thematic analysis. Additionally, a cross-case analysis was conducted on the case study data. Quantitative survey data was analysed to produce inferential and descriptive statistics. This was followed by an integration of the different data types. <br/><br/>Results:<br/>Data from 12 interviews at four case study sites and 120 survey responses was integrated. Key findings were that at the beginning of the pandemic, staff worked long hours and resource was found by pausing other work. Later, additional human resources and automation of data processing facilitated responses. Teams with diverse knowledge and skills, including local knowledge, and professional networks were valued by staff. Training was seen as important for improving their preparation. Staff wellbeing was negatively impacted by the demands of the response and staff highlighted the need for clarity on LAs’ role in health protection. <br/><br/>Impact/Lessons Learned:<br/>It is important to prepare staff for emergency response, implement best human resource practices, and improve public health workforce planning. Clarification of LA responsibilities in terms of health protection will help to ensure an adequately resourced and competent PHI workforce to respond to future events.