Measure in development.

This measure monitors the response time and quality of the on-call epidemiologist system for Utah Public Health. Response time and quality is reported as an annual composite score derived from an averaged quarterly assessment. Our goal is to have an annual composite score greater than 85%. As of December 2023, the on-call epidemiologist system assessment is in development with implementation anticipated in Q1 of 2024.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Division of Population Health Office of Communicable Diseases (OCD) is tasked with providing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round access to communicable disease reporting and epidemiology resources. Using 1-800-EPI-UTAH callers can choose to connect with the appropriate local health department on-call staff, DHHS on-call staff, or leave message if a non-urgent matter.

The DHHS on-call team is trained on how to handle on-call communications including training for situations which require immediate attention and are given access to resources including fact sheets, guidelines, and manuals for the control of infectious diseases. Resources provide for the appropriate response to and timely notification of emergent public health issues. 

On-call response time and quality are assessed quarterly using realistic scenarios developed by DHHS epidemiologists, laboratorians, and emergency response and preparedness professionals. These scenarios are presented to on-call staff who are then required to consult available resources and respond with appropriate public health guidance and timely notification of primary stakeholders. Measures are collected which assess call response time, appropriate notifications, and public health guidance provided. Training, guidance, and process improvements are identified and addressed as needed. A composite score is created and averaged across the 4 quarters for annual reporting.