Background
The Incubator Workshops (deliverable D1.4) are part of the Emergency Preparedness Integrated Courses (EPIC11) project, which focuses on the provision of training in prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) for Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health (SCBTH) in EU Member States and European Economic Area (EEA) countries. The EPIC11 project was formulated in response to the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) and Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) call for tenders on “EU preparedness: analysis, planning, reporting and training programmes for health specialists”. The call builds on the the ongoing implementation of Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 on SCBTH. One of the operational objectives is to strengthen PPR planning with targeted training and knowledge exchange activities for healthcare and public health staff (Article 11 – Regulation 2022/2371).
The aim of the EPIC11 project is to develop an EU preparedness training programme that responds to the needs of PPR planners, managers and practitioners and addresses current gaps in EU Member States and EEA countries in relation to PPR planning. The EPIC11 project is implemented by a consortium of GFA Consulting Group GmbH (GFA), KIT Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) and Think Modular (TM).
The overall mission is to strengthen capacity, through training, to respond to future public health emergencies, within and across countries. The EU preparedness training programme will support EU Member States and EEA countries to:
- Build knowledge and skills for more resilient emergency management; and
- Strengthen communication, collaboration and coordination within and between countries.
The foundation of the EU preparedness training programme will be based on a multi-hazard approach to health threats in a cross-sectoral and cross-border setting, focussing on SCBTH. The EU preparedness training programme complements and builds on existing training programmes and courses developed and managed by ECDC, WHO, EC’s policy departments (DGs), joint actions, various EU-level projects, universities, training institutes, and national institutions. These trainings were identified and included in the preparedness and response training and simulation exercises inventory of the EPIC11 project.
Aims and objectives
Aims
The main aims of this Incubator Workshop are to
- Discuss and reflect on the structure of the EU preparedness training programme concept for the prevention, preparedness and response planning for SCBTH professionals, involving key stakeholders in an innovative and engaging manner;
- Provide feedback and enhance the training content development and quality assurance mechanism;
- Ensure participation and ownership by EU Member States and EEA countries.
Objectives
- Analyse and reflect on the structure of the EU preparedness training programme concept and the proposed content topics;
- Discuss training courses and a mix of modules;
- Review and evaluate the strategy and implementation of the four conducted regional pilot trainings;
- Identify potential trainers (pool of trainers) for future training (peer-to-peer support);
- Identify additional resources (tools, exercises, networks, potential partners) to support the trainings.
Methodology
The workshop adopts an interactive, participatory approach reminiscent of a social laboratory setting. Participants engage in small working groups to critically examine and refine the modular EU preparedness training programme concept, proposed content, and the composition of courses and modules. Experienced instructors and subject matter experts lead the workshop, facilitating productive sessions aimed at generating novel insights. The intensive three-day format emphasizes on structured discussions and experience sharing, with minimal formalities.
Workshop activities:
- Day 1: Analyse the outline of the modular EU preparedness training programme. Participants will engage in thematic working groups to analyse and refine the structure and content of the training modules, ensuring they meet both national and cross-national needs and they are adjustable to EU Member States' needs.
- Day 2: Reflect and refine the comprehensive training plan to ensure that EU preparedness training programme courses are both relevant and increase competence.
- Day 3: Share and discuss the training programme tailored to your country’s needs, working with peers to draft a comprehensive training plan for the next generation of health security professionals.
Event plan
The workshop is focused on gathering feedback and reflections on the EU preparedness training program. Our goal is to ensure that all EU Member States and EEA countries can participate, fostering maximum engagement and ownership.
Incubator Workshop 3
Duration: Three full days
Date: 3-5 February 2025
Place: Best Western Premier Hotel Sofia Airport in Sofia (Bulgaria)
Participants: 20 participants from EU Member States and EEA countries (see target audience)
Target audience
The workshop is open to participants from EU Member States and EEA countries, representing diverse sectors such as human and animal health, civil protection, security, and other relevant fields. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by EPIC11.
The workshop is designed for professionals working in technical and strategic areas, including:
Emergency prevention, preparedness, and response planners,
National crisis managers,
Key professionals responsible for building national capacity in planning and coordinating public health emergency responses.
This workshop aims to bring together a diverse group of experts to enhance collaboration and share best practices at the national level.
Preparatory materials
The EU preparedness training programme concept will be shared with participants at least two weeks before the Incubator Workshop, allowing sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the EU Preparedness Training Programme concept, structure and content. The training courses themselves will be introduced by facilitators and/or subject matter experts, who will also facilitate the small working groups. If a subject matter expert is unable to attend the three-day workshop in person, they will join virtually.
Outcomes
- A comprehensive reflection on the EU preparedness training programme concept, structure and proposed content.
- A focussed reflection on our regional pilot trainings and implementation approach.
- Enhanced ownership of EU Member States and EEA countries
- Identification of train-the-trainer candidates.