Expert consensus on competency enhancement of pertussis prevention, diagnosis, and management for healthcare professionals through medical-preventive integration.

UNLABELLED: As pertussis resurgence has become a significant public health issue globally in recent years, the 2024 outbreak attracted substantial attention in China. Experts from various disciplines, including clinical medicine and public health, jointly formed an expert working group to analyze the current epidemiological characteristics of pertussis and bottleneck issues in the nation's prevention and control of the infection. The working group developed the consensus and formulated recommendations and suggestions found here based on the concept of integrating medical care and prevention, evidence from the existing literature, and good principles of clinical practice. The group sought to enhance pertussis prevention, diagnosis, and management competencies for healthcare professionals by focusing on multidimensional core issues regarding the epidemiological characteristics of pertussis resurgence, the effectiveness and safety of vaccines containing pertussis and vaccination practices, and comprehensive case management and treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis regimens in the context of drug resistance background. It also recognized the importance of strengthening the collaborative monitoring between medical and prevention departments, as well as the monitoring level and public education through medical and preventive collaboration. The consensus aids in sustainably promoting and dynamically adjusting China's pertussis prevention and control strategies.

GUIDELINE REGISTRATION: This expert consensus has been registered with the Guidelines International Network and is available in the International Guidelines Library (https://guidelines.ebmportal.com/expert-consensus-competency-enhancement-pertussis-prevention-diagnosis-and-management-healthcare).