Establishing intersectoral 'Schools Teams' to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 school transmission, 2020/2021: Peter Naughton. (25th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, C; Naughton, P; Kennedy, E; Ward, M
• Is Part Of: European journal of public health. Volume 32(2022)Supplement 3
• Publication Date: 2022-10-25
• Subjects: Epidemiology -- Europe -- Periodicals; Public health -- Europe -- Periodicals; 362.109405
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac129.283
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1101-1262

Abstract

Abstract: : The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disrupted the lives of up to 100, 000 school-going children in Ireland. Consequently, intersectoral 'Schools Teams' were established for the 2020/2021 school year to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in school settings. This novel public health intervention provides learning to inform future cross-sectoral collaborative work in Public Health in responding to infectious disease threats. For the 2020/2021 school year in Ireland, intersectoral Schools Teams were formed within each of eight regional Departments of Public Health to manage mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in school settings. These teams comprised of staff from Departments of Public Health and redeployed staff from the Department of Education. A nationally agreed schools process was followed by Schools Teams to manage SARS-CoV-2 cases and outbreaks in schools. Relevant cases were referred to the regional Schools Team for a public health risk assessment (PHRA). Close contacts were determined using appropriate definitions of close contact within a school setting through the PHRA. This model with centralised procedures and linked health/education teams was novel and adaptable to additional settings. Results from the East region of Ireland showed testing of close contacts of COVID-19 was conducted in 71.8% (676/942) of schools, with 43881 tests completed. Most Schools Team members reported efficient communication within the team (88.7%), a positive team culture (96.3%) and feeling comfortable in their roles following training (82.7%). The majority of members felt the team was able to effectively support schools to reduce COVID-19 transmission (92.5%). Lessons learnt include the synergistic working of educational and health professionals towards a common goal, maximising the skills of all, ensuring a better outcome for school children. Involving educational teams in active contact tracing of COVID-19 cases in schools maximised engagement of the educational sector in the COVID-19 response. Key messages: Establishing intersectoral 'Schools Teams' pooled skills, resources and expertise, enabling development of synergistic solutions to a complex problem. This exemplifies a large national cross-sectoral collaborative working process involving education and public health sectors, providing a model for future responses to infectious disease threats.