1. Roles and Responsibilities of VDH Epidemiologists

2. “VDH Epidemiologist”
In this context, this term refers to anyone practicing general communicable disease epidemiology It may be the person designated as the district epidemiologist It may be a CD nurse, nurse epi, or other position working on communicable disease surveillance, investigation, and control Teamwork is required

3. District Epis -- Surveillance
Ensure timely and complete reporting
Encourage reporting by community providers
Ensure 24/7 response capability
Review morbidity reports
Collect additional information as needed to assure completeness, including ensuring surveillance forms are completed
Apply case definition
Forward as appropriate

4. District Epis -- Surveillance
Ensure disease reports are entered into VEDSS
QA the data – assist other district VEDSS users
Generate district level statistics
Ensure statistics are disseminated in the community
Participate in enhanced surveillance activities
Flu, rash, syndromic, disaster, special event, etc.

5. District Epis -- Investigation
Ensure appropriate case follow-up occurs
Identify risk and intervene to reduce spread
Investigate clusters and outbreaks
Coordinate with district team members and regional and central office epidemiologists
Includes conducting interviews, epi studies, data management and analysis, and report writing
Help other districts during emergencies

6. District Epis – Staff Readiness
Ensure active Epidemiologic Response Team
Current emergency contact lists
Roles and responsibilities of each member
Availability of someone at all times
Training on epi methods in responding to a public health emergency
Exercises to test district plans, in coordination with the district planner
Consult on district epi projects

7. District Epis – Community Prep.
Attend meetings with partners and be involved with community response planning
IPs are key contacts to know well
Ensure epidemiologic activities are adequately addressed in response plans
Provide information to the community before, during, after an event
Regarding VDH programs and initiatives
Including the public, regarding the disease, transmission, methods of prevention, etc.

8. District Epis – Evaluation and Professional Development
Evaluation of epi services in the district and recommendations to enhance services
Progress reports upon request
After action reviews of event responses
Review of surveillance processes and results
Periodic review of operations
Attend training / participate in exercises

9. DSI Epis Funding and grant management Training Technical consultation
Individual situations via phone, reviewing draft documents
Written guidance on surveillance and investigation methods – e.g., DCM
Coordination of epi activities in an emergency
IT systems (e.g., ESSENCE, VEDSS)
Legal authority (laws and regulations)

10. We need a ‘we’re all in this together’ approach to our work, with the goal of preventing disease in Virginia