Virtual and Integrated Simulation and Implementation for Building Learning and Emergency preparedness (VISIBLE) strengthens readiness for emerging infectious disease prevention, detection, & response. - This project aims to enhance national capacity for disease prevention, detection, and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases through a strong programmatic infrastructure and a dedicated preparedness core within healthcare systems. Our project team, consisting of experts in infection prevention, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, and emergency management, is committed to building capacity and capabilities that maintain a state of readiness within healthcare systems. This core program group sustains both a capacity for immediate response and a robust ability to facilitate ongoing education and training, ensuring that healthcare personnel (HCP) are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices to effectively address infectious disease threats. To bolster national disease prevention, detection, and response capabilities, our team has developed structured, resilient, adaptable, and scalable approaches to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s "Identify-Isolate-Inform" framework. By pairing targeted, exposure-specific screening—such as travel and close contact—with simplified syndromic reviews, we can effectively identify patients at risk of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) like viral hemorrhagic fevers and non-HCIDs such as measles. The project proposes several key activities to strengthen national disease prevention, detection, and response capabilities. These efforts include creating a comprehensive toolkit for healthcare facilities across the United States to adapt to available local resources. This toolkit will provide guidance on optimizing travel, exposure, and symptom screening, incorporating design considerations for both electronic and non-electronic formats. Additionally, we will develop pathogen-specific “First Steps Guides” aimed at healthcare personnel, offering clear and immediate actions for managing suspected cases. To ensure widespread accessibility and understanding, we will disseminate the toolkit through various communication modalities, including online platforms and in-person training sessions. Our educational approach will leverage adult learning methodologies, incorporating gamification elements to enhance engagement and retention of key concepts. We will educate the healthcare workforce on the rationale and practical implementation of the "Identify-Isolate-Inform" framework, ensuring that frontline personnel are well-prepared to respond effectively during outbreaks. Furthermore, we will host national webinars featuring experts in the field, enabling participants to gain insights into best practices and ask questions relevant to their local contexts. These initiatives aim to empower healthcare facilities with the necessary tools and knowledge to implement best practices, protect public health, and improve health outcomes across the nation.
