Comparative analysis of variation in the quality and completeness of local outbreak control plans for SARS-CoV-2 in English local authorities.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Yu, Xinming Li, Mengye Lawson-Portuphy, Laurie Chowdhury, Avirup Badrinath, Padmanabhan
Copyright Year	2021
Abstract	AbstractBackgroundLocal outbreak control plans (LOCPs) are statutory documents produced by local authorities (LAs) across England. LOCPs outline LAs’ response to Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID19) outbreaks and the coordination of local resources, data and communication to support outbreak response. LOCPs are therefore crucial in the nation’s response to COVID-19. However, there has been no previous systematic assessment of these documents. We performed this study to systematically assess the quality of LOCPs and to offer recommendations of good practice.MethodsAll published LOCPs were assessed for basic characteristics. A framework based on Department of Health and Social Care guidelines was used to assess a random sample of LOCPs. Qualitative analysis was undertaken for LOCPs with highest completeness.ResultsHundred and thirty-seven of 150 LAs publicly published a full LOCP; 9 were drafts. Statistical analysis demonstrated the significant difference between reporting of mainstream schools, care homes and the homeless population and other educational settings, high-risk settings and other vulnerable groups. LOCPs varied in approach when structuring outbreak response information and focused on different areas of outbreak management.ConclusionsThe majority of LAs are publicly accessible. There is significant variation between the reporting of high-risk settings and groups. Suggested recommendations may help to improve future LOCP updates.
Related Links	https://europepmc.org/backend/ptpmcrender.fcgi?accid=PMC8574550&blobtype=pdf
ISSN	17413842
Journal	Journal of Public Health (Oxford, England) [J Public Health (Oxf)]
Volume Number	45
DOI	10.1093/pubmed/fdab368
PubMed Central reference number	PMC8574550
Issue Number	1
PubMed reference number	34668547
e-ISSN	17413850
Language	English
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Publisher Date	2023-03-01
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This article is published and distributed under the terms of the Oxford University Press, Standard Journals Publication Model (https://academic.oup.com/journals/pages/open_access/funder_policies/chorus/standard_publication_model) © The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com
Subject Keyword	communicable diseases communities health protection
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health