Enhancing resilience: A framework for increasing health care workforce knowledge about novel infectious diseases using Ebola Virus Disease as a case study

Abstract

The increasing globalization of travel and commerce has heightened the threat of emerging infectious diseases, exposing critical gaps in health care workforce preparedness and education. The 2014–2016 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak highlighted these vulnerabilities, particularly in non-endemic regions, where health care providers were often ill-equipped to recognize and respond to EVD. This lack of preparedness underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and scalable educational interventions tailored to high-consequence pathogens. In response to these challenges, a series of 14 educational seminars were implemented across Georgia in the United States, aimed to enhance health care professionals' knowledge and readiness for managing EVD cases through a tiered response system. This study assessed knowledge gains among 1201 participants, including health care providers and public health officials, using pre- and post-seminar assessments. Participants' initial assessments revealed significant misconceptions about EVD, with only 13.5 % correctly identifying the outbreak's epicenter and 19.1 % accurately reporting that two patients contracted EVD while in the United States. Results revealed significant knowledge improvements, with a 24.24 % overall increase in EVD-related understanding, particularly in fundamental concepts (30.95 %) and state-specific response protocols (36.58 %). However, knowledge of active monitoring protocols demonstrated modest gains, suggesting the need for enhanced instructional approaches in this area. The seminar series not only addressed immediate knowledge gaps but also provided a scalable model for preparedness training adaptable to future public health emergencies. Continued education and future research into knowledge retention and practical application will be critical in maintaining health care system resilience against evolving infectious disease threats.