Effective training in cross-border infection prevention and response

Introduction Competent personnel at points of entry is important to prevent international spreading of disease. Education, training and exercises (ETE) are commonly used to secure this competency. We studied what effective training looks like, by conducting a literature review on effective ETE, conducting a training needs assessment. Methodology A systematic search in Embase, Medline, Web of Science, ERIC, Cinahl, and PsycInfo, to identify effective ETE on infectious disease control was performed. We integratively analysed effectiveness of ETE methods on different outcome levels: satisfaction, learning, behavior and organizational performance. Also, we assessed training needs and -preferences among professionals involved in infectious disease control at points of entry in Europe. They completed a digital questionnaire about previously received ETE, importance of topics, highest training needs, and their preferred ETE methodologies. Results We identified a range of effective ETEs in 62 studies. However, details on specific ETE methodologies are scarce, thwarting to link effectiveness to methodology. Also, long term and high level outcomes like behavioral change or public health system performance are reported less frequently than mere satisfaction or knowledge change, while these former often have higher relevance in real practice. Respondents (n = 59) had highest training needs concerning handling ill or exposed persons, and design and use of the contingency plan. Training needs correlated with importance of topics. Highest preferred training methods were presentations and e-modules. Conclusions We call for more extensive evaluations of education, training and exercises in infectious disease control, with measurement of high level outcomes and long term effects. Results from the current review and training needs from the field could be combined to design most effective ETE at points of entry.