Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Management in Public Health Curriculum:A Pan-European Perspective

Abstract   The collation of an updated European core curriculum in public health is more important than ever in the context of previous and emerging public health emergencies. threats and challenges which pose risk to world populations. It is timely to update and rethink current public health curricula to ensure adequate representation of emergency preparedness as a core element and to assist future workforces to be equipped with knowledge and skills to address these threats and challenges. As part of the development of the ASPHER Core Curriculum for Public Health, a scoping exercise of subject areas delivered in academic public health programmes was conducted through a survey of member Schools and Institutes of Public Health in Europe. Respondents were invited to share indicative content of their curricula in areas of expertise. From a total of 58 replies, 15 (26%) noted expertise in aspects of Emergency Preparedness. Based on the received curriculum a subject specific survey to assess content and education delivery level was completed. Based upon the expert advisory group input, a curriculum with 5 curricular themes and over 45 curricular elements has been developed for multiple levels of education. Preparedness regardless for what public health emergency comes in all its domains is inextricably linked with positive outcomes. It is an increasingly vital component of public health education. Recognising that not all schools may be in a position to offer teaching in emergency preparedness, consideration could be given to collating existing training materials and tools and sharing information and expertise through online platforms so that preparedness education can be integrated into all public health curricula. Key messages • An updated European public health curriculum must prioritize emergency preparedness to equip future professionals for emerging threats and global health challenges. • Emergency preparedness is vital for positive public health outcomes; shared tools and resources can help integrate it into all public health education programmes.