Leveraging a Preexisting Global Infectious Disease Network for Local Decision Making during a Pandemic

Jocelyn J. Herstein, John J. Lowe, Timo Wolf, Shawn Vasoo, Yee Sin Leo, Bum Sik Chin, Yinzhong Shen, Angela L. Hewlett, James V. Lawler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Emerging infectious disease epidemics require a rapid response from health systems; however, evidence-based consensus guidelines are generally absent early in the course of events. Formed in 2017 by 5 high-level isolation units spanning 3 continents, the experience of the Global Infectious Disease Preparedness Network (GIDPN) early in the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides a model for accelerating best practice development and improving decision-making in health emergencies. The network served as a platform for real-time, open and transparent information-sharing during unknowns of an active outbreak by clinicians caring for patients, by researchers conducting clinical trials and transmission and infection prevention studies, and by teams advising local and national policy makers. Shared knowledge led to earlier adoption of some treatment modalities as compared to most peer institutions and to implementation of protocols prior to incorporation into national guidelines. GIDPN and similar networks are integral in enhancing preparedness for and response to future epidemics/pandemics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)729-733
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume74
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 15 2022

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • clinical
  • communicable diseases
  • disease outbreaks
  • health emergencies
  • networking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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