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Review
. 2025 Feb 6:13:1490850.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1490850. eCollection 2025.

A narrative literature review to inform the development of a health threats preparedness framework in Ireland

Louise Marron  1 , James Gilroy  2 , Michelle Williams  3 , Randal Parlour  3 , Máirín Boland  2   4
Affiliations
Review

A narrative literature review to inform the development of a health threats preparedness framework in Ireland

Louise Marron et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: Public health emergency preparedness requires capacities and capabilities to respond to a diverse range of health threats. A key objective of Ireland's recent Health Protection Strategy is to enable preparedness, prevention, early detection and optimal response to health threats from all-hazards. We aimed to identify priority areas for inclusion in an evidence-based health threats preparedness framework, using lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, to inform a national health threats strategy and a strengthened emerging health threats function for Ireland.

Methods: We conducted a narrative literature review to inform the health threats preparedness framework development. We carried out literature searches in two phases, from 2017 to 2022, followed by an updated search covering 2022-2024, to ensure all relevant, recent literature was captured. We used a data extraction tool to collate priority areas reported.

Results: Overarching priorities for health threats preparedness are rapid decision-making, an outcomes-based, and ethical approach. Health threats preparedness should include a risk-based, all-hazards, One Health approach, aligned with legislation. Multisectoral partnerships, collaboration and communication nationally and internationally are key, alongside clear governance structures and monitoring and evaluation. Adequate resources are required to operationalize effective and sustainable preparedness. Public health leadership must be to the fore.

Conclusion: An effective health threats preparedness approach is legislatively mandated for European Member States. This evidence review highlights priority areas for a comprehensive health threats preparedness framework. This framework supports the development of a strengthened emerging health threats function in Ireland and may inform other Member States' preparedness.

Keywords: all-hazards; emergency planning; health security; health threats; one health; pandemic planning; preparedness.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of literature search.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Health threats preparedness framework consisting of three overarching priorities and ten key components.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. McKee M, de Ruijter A. The path to a European health union. The Lancet Regional Health–Europe. (2024) 36:100794. doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100794, PMID: - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control . Public health emergency preparedness – Core competencies for EU member states. Stockholm: ECDC; (2017).
    1. World Health Organization . WHO guidance on preparing for National Response to health emergencies and disasters. Geneva: WHO; (2021).
    1. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control . Health emergency preparedness for imported cases of high-consequence infectious diseases. Stockholm: ECDC; (2019).
    1. Health Service Executive . Health service executive health protection strategy 2022–2027. Dublin, Ireland: Health Service Executive; (2022).

MeSH terms

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