FETP: NCD COVID-19 Toolkit, Intermediate Case Study: Investigating a Post-Pandemic Ischemic Stroke Surge at Capital City

FULL WORKSHOP NAME: NCD COVID-19 Toolkit, Intermediate Case Study: Investigating a Post-Pandemic Ischemic Stroke Surge at Capital City Hospital—Collecting, Reviewing, Interpreting, and Summarizing Data on Stroke and Associated CVD Risk Factors; Part B - Investigating Risk Factors

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, account for more than 74% of deaths globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that people living with NCDs have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. The field epidemiology training program (FETP): NCD COVID-19 Toolkit was developed in response to the call from FETPs requesting tools and training to strengthen epidemiology skills needed to address NCDs, especially during a public health emergency. The Toolkit will help FETP trainees develop the skills needed to integrate NCD investigation into COVID-19 response duties while reinforcing best practices for infectious disease control.

Case studies are a critical part of field epidemiology training. They are exercises that encourage participants to apply their problem-solving skills and knowledge of epidemiologic principles and practices in an interactive learning environment. The FETP: NCD COVID-19 Toolkit case studies are designed to provide real-life scenarios that illustrate the process of examining NCD comorbidities during the COVID-19 response. The exercises require participants to apply and extend their field investigation skills to the NCD context and build new competencies to address NCDs. 

This workshop will entail conducting a case study to investigate a scenario in which an urban hospital system experiences an apparent surge in ischemic stroke cases following pandemic-related health service disruptions and interruptions. Participants will utilize core field epidemiology skills to think critically about collecting, interpreting, and summarizing data on ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The case study asks participants to consider the impacts that a public health crisis (such as a pandemic) has on NCD diagnosis, management, and treatment. Participants will describe and interpret public health data to identify the potential effect of pandemic-related healthcare service delivery interventions. 

The case study is structured for field epidemiologists in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The tools are designed to expand the NCD capacity of epidemiologists conducting field investigations. The case studies present real-life scenarios in LMICs and enable participants to develop skills to effectively respond to COVID-19 and NCD comorbidities and conduct other investigations requiring a similar integrated response. 

WORKSHOP FORMAT 

This workshop is an interactive, facilitator-led activity that uses a case study. It is designed to encourage learner interaction and engagement. Facilitators are prompted to ask participants to read the case study scenarios and questions aloud and to discuss answers and experiences as a group. During an in-person session, participants will break out into small groups to complete the questions, then return to the larger group to discuss answers.  The facilitator will use a PowerPoint Presentation that aligns with the participant guide to lead participants through the case study visually. Facilitators will require access to a presentation screen to show the PowerPoint slides, as well as an internet connection. Participants will be provided with a digital copy of the participant’s guide, PowerPoint, and reference materials.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. Describe and interpret public health surveillance and clinical data using core principles of descriptive epidemiology (for example, clinical time, place, person).

2. Identify the potential effects of pandemic-related healthcare service delivery interruptions on people living with NCDs and their associated risk factors.

3. Apply the essential outbreak investigation steps to explore a potential increase in stroke, including reviewing a clinical case definition against medical records to confirm a diagnosis

FACILITATORS:

1. Dr. Sharan Murali, Scientist B and Public Health Specialist, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology: Dr. Sharan Murali is a public health specialist with over four years of experience in research and program implementation. Dr. Murali is currently working as a Scientist B in the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, India. He is a faculty and mentor in the India - Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). His fair understanding of epidemiology and research methods along with his skills in Information Technology (IT) has helped him establish data-driven dashboards. He played a key role in developing the Learning Management System (LMS) platform for India-FETP programs
2. Dr. Kaylani Sailesh, FETP Consultant, South Asia Field Epidemiology and Technology Network (SAFETYNET) : Dr. Kalyani is a consultant with SAFETYNET for Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) at the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), Chennai, India. Her primary role involves supporting the FETP-NCD training program which encompasses both Advanced (2 years) and Intermediate (one year) programs. Additionally, she has provided mentorship support to the trainees under Epidemic Intelligence Services – India (South Hub) located at ICMR-NIE in Chennai since the year 2021. Dr. Kalyani holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the Dr MGR Medical University, Tamil Nadu, India. Her academic achievements also include a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree and a Diploma of National Board (DNB) degree in Community Medicine. With a professional background exceeding two years, she has garnered expertise in strengthening the public health workforce, conducting epidemiological investigations, analyzing surveillance data, and evaluating both surveillance systems and programs. Her research interests revolve around non-communicable diseases and the evaluation of public health programs.

PARTICIPANTS:

FETP residents or alumni, Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Officers, and others who have an interest in expanding their skill set to include NCDs.

Maximum number: 40