Facilitating the deployment of Japanese human resources for responding global outbreaks of emerging and Re-emerging infectious diseases: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: In response to global outbreaks of infectious diseases, the need for support from organizations such as the World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) is increasing. Identifying the obstacles and support needs for applicants could increase GOARN deployments from Japan. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a web-based, self-administered questionnaire survey targeting Japanese participants in the GOARN Tier 1.5 training workshop, held in Tokyo in December 2019. Results: All 47 Japanese participants in the workshop responded to the survey. Most responders were male and in their 30s and 40s. Participants specialized in case management (42.6%), infection prevention and control (25.6%), epidemiology and surveillance (19.1%). Only two participants (4.6%) had experienced a GOARN deployment. Their motivations for joining the GOARN training workshop were Desire to be part of an international emerging infectious disease response team (44.6%), Interest in making an international contribution (19.1%), and Interest in working for the Japanese government in the field of international infectious diseases (14.9%). Obstacles to GOARN deployments were Making time for deployments (45.7%) and Lack of required professional skills and knowledge (40.4%). The support needs for GOARN deployments constituted Periodic simulation training (51.1%), Financial support during deployments (44.7%), and Technical support for deployments (40.4%). Conclusions: Our study revealed the obstacles and support needs of Japanese candidates for GOARN deployment. Making time and upskilling for GOARN deployment were the main obstacles. More practical training (like GOARN Tier 2.0) with other supports are needed. The national framework is desirable to realize these supports.

Automated summary

The study revealed the obstacles and support needs of Japanese candidates for GOARN deployment. The main obstacles were lack of time and required professional skills and knowledge, while the support needs were focused on periodic simulation training, financial support during deployments, and technical support for deployments. The study suggests that more practical training and a national framework are necessary to address these issues.