Getting the Message across: Foodborne Outbreak Communications between Federal, State, and Local Agencies

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:  Crucial information sharing between public health agencies is essential to assure unified and rapid identification and response to foodborne disease and other types of disease outbreaks.   This research was designed to address the following:

•Identify existing processes for inter- and intra-agency foodborne disease outbreak communications 

•Lay a foundation for gap analysis and performance comparison

•Highlight areas for functional improvement.  

Methods:  A comparative analysis of 21 states’ general operating procedures was conducted to:

•     Ascertain lines and modes of communication related to foodborne disease outbreaks 

•     Determine procedural commonalities

•     Identify potential barriers and

•     Recommend enhancements for multi-directional information exchanges between health agencies

Results: 

• Written protocols for inter- and intra-agency coordination in large-scale food emergencies, including terrorist attacks on the food supply, varies considerably among states
• Collaborative electronic networks are not widely identified as tools for response coordination
• Robust plans for exchange of information between responding agencies are limited
• Some states reference other agencies in their foodborne outbreak response protocols, but do not prescribe a particular method for information dissemination
• Bi-directional communication would provide the best coactions for outbreak communication with external stakeholders

Conclusions:  There is no universal standard or playbook for outbreak communications.   Recommendations for systemic improvement include formalizing inter- and intra-agency communication plans in every outbreak response protocol, assuring the Incident Command System is stipulated in every regulatory outbreak response plan, expanding food protection rapid response teams to all 50 states, and establishing funding opportunities for county and local health agencies to apply system enhancements for collaborations in the midst of an outbreak.  

Implications for research and/or practice:  Even a small outbreak confined to a single jurisdiction may require the transfer of data and updates to others.  Bi-annual review and update of communication policies should be enacted at every tier of government response.  More than 20 communication tools or portals are in use for interagency information exchange on foodborne outbreaks; platform enhancements need to be identified and must include interoperability.  Two-way communication, coordination and cooperation among all agencies involved is critical to the success of any response.