Assessing the Use of Influenza Forecasts and Epidemiological Modeling in Public Health Decision Making in the United States.

ABSTRACT: Although forecasts and other mathematical models have the potential to play an important role in mitigating the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, the extent to which these tools are used in public health decision making in the United States is unclear. Throughout 2015, we invited public health practitioners belonging to three national public health organizations to complete a cross-sectional survey containing questions on model awareness, model use, and communication with modelers. Of 39 respondents, 46.15% used models in their work, and 20.51% reported direct communication with those who create models. Over half (64.10%) were aware that influenza forecasts exist. The need for improved communication between practitioners and modelers was overwhelmingly endorsed, with over 50% of part

SUBMITTER: Doms C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6098102 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature