[Results of Crisis Response Training for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases Conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in the Republic of Korea, 2022].

Owing to the absence of treatments or vaccines for emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), early recognition and initial response are crucial. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has conducted simulation trainings for provincial and local governments and related agencies responding to public health emergencies since 2010 to strengthen their response capabilities. This study analyzed the results obtained from the training conducted in 2022 to identify areas for future improvement. The training comprised three modules (education on infectious diseases, tabletop exercises, and practice in using personal protective equipment) and covered five infectious diseases, including Middle East respiratory syndrome, Ebola virus disease, avian influenza virus infections in humans, Mpox, and coronavirus disease 2019. Institutional evaluation (17 provincial governments-16 trainings) was conducted using evaluation indicators, The trainees’ knowledge and attitudes toward EIDs as well as satisfaction from the training were measured through questionnaire surveys (ten questions each of pre- and post-knowledge attitude and ten questions on satisfaction; 5-point scale). Total 1,526 people participated in 16 trainings, and 811 surveys were analyzed. The institutional evaluation revealed an average score of 86.0 (range: 57–102, out of 110). The survey showed that 78.5% had less than 2 years of work experience related to infectious diseases, and 72.6% were receiving the training for the first time. Knowledge levels and positive attitudes toward EIDs increased by 15.6% and 7.0% after the training, respectively (p<0.05), and the ‘training satisfaction’ was found to be 4.5. These results show that, given the short career span of trainees, annual periodic training is required, and pre-training for provincial governments is needed to reduce the capacity gaps. Furthermore, the development of training scenarios and finding ways to increase the participation of related organizations are also needed.