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Developing Public Health Indicators in Complex Emergency Response

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 June 2012

Paul B. Spiegel ,
Frederick M. Burkle Jr. ,
Chayan C. Dey  and
Peter Salama
Paul B. Spiegel*
Affiliation:
International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Frederick M. Burkle Jr.
Affiliation:
The Center for International Emergency, Disaster and Refugee Studies, The Schools of Medicine and Public Health,The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Chayan C. Dey
Affiliation:
The Center for International Emergency, Disaster and Refugee Studies, The Schools of Medicine and Public Health,The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Peter Salama
Affiliation:
International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
*
International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mail Stop F-48, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Adanta, GA 30341, USA E-mail: pspiegel@cdc.gov
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Abstract

During the past decade, indicators for the assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of services provided by humanitarian organizations to populations affected by complex emergencies (CEs) were developed to improve the effectiveness and accountability of humanitarian response. The quality of data used to develop individual indicators and their relationship to positive health outcomes varies greatly. This article states the essential characteristics necessary for the development and implementation of effective indicators in CE response and proposes the establishment of an evidence-based grading system. The importance of trend analysis and the modification or addition of various indicators and their thresholds, according to phase and location of CEs, are stressed. Limitations in the development, implementation, and interpretation of these indicators, including those outside of the organizations' control are discussed. More evidence-based research is needed as to the type and thresholds of indicators that lead to improved health outcomes in populations affected by CEs. The use of indicators by non-governmental organizations, and how they affect their program's decision-making in different phases and settings within CEs need further study. Finally, the establishment of a regulating body with the authority to enforce the attainment of standards by use of these indicators is necessary to avoid inappropriate humanitarian assistance causing loss of life in the future.

Keywords

complex emergenciesdisplaced personshumanitarianindicatorsmeasures of effectivenessnongovernmental organizationsrefugeetrend analysis
Type
Part II: Complex Emergencies: Research Initiatives
Information
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine , Volume 16 , Special Issue 4: Complex Emergencies , December 2001 , pp. 281 - 285
Copyright
Copyright © World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine 2001

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