Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the State Enteric Disease Public Health Workforce in the Western United States, March-April 2022.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state-level enteric disease workforce and routine enteric disease surveillance and outbreak investigation activities in the western United States.

Design and setting: Key informant interviews conducted using bidirectional video from March to April 2022.

Participants: Enteric disease epidemiologists at state public health agencies in the western states served by the Colorado and Washington Integrated Food Safety Centers of Excellence.

Main outcomes: Key themes were identified using grounded theory.

Results: Nine themes were identified including excessive workload, shifts in local and state responsibilities, challenges with retention and hiring, importance of student teams, laboratory supplies shortages, changes to case and outbreak investigation priorities, transitioning back to enterics, adoption of new methods and technology, and current and future needs.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic response had a substantial impact on state-level enteric disease activities in western states, with many staff members diverted from routine responsibilities and a de-prioritization of enteric disease work. There is a need for sustainable solutions to address staffing shortages, prioritize employee mental health, and effectively manage routine workloads when responding to emergencies.