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Use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Response (CASPER) Method by Public Health Agencies in Texas, 2001-2015

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 January 2018

Kayla Cross  and
Jennifer A. Horney
Kayla Cross
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Jennifer A. Horney*
Affiliation:
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
*
Correspondence and reprint requests to Jennifer Horney, Associate Professor, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, 1266 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843 (e-mail: horney@sph.tamhsc.edu).
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Abstract

Objectives

The use of the Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) method in disaster and non-disaster settings continues to grow. While CASPERs flexibility has been well demonstrated, the documentation of specific actions that have resulted from the utilization of CASPER data has been limited. We attempted to document changes in emergency preparedness planning and policy based on CASPER data.

Methods

Written reports from 19 CASPERs conducted in Texas between 2001 and 2015 were collected. Key informant interviews were conducted with 9 public health staff knowledgeable about the CASPERs. Written reports and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for themes.

Results

Few specific outcomes could be documented beyond a single successful grant application. Respondents felt CASPER data was not duplicative and was useful for improving existing plans. CASPER is seen as an effective way to enhance relationships with communities and partnerships with agencies including Emergency Management.

Conclusion

As the use of CASPER grows, it is increasingly important to document any specific and measurable benefits, actions, and changes to planning or policy taken as the result of data collected using the CASPER method. Without measurable outputs and outcomes, support for the use of CASPER from decision-makers may begin to wane. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:680-684)

Keywords

emergency preparednessneeds assessmentemergency responderspublic health
Type
Brief Report
Information
Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness , Volume 12 , Issue 6 , December 2018 , pp. 680 - 684
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. 2018 

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