Strengthening the US Public Health Lab System: Summary of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) After Action Review Workshop

Abstract

Context: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of public health laboratories across the United States, while also revealing weaknesses in the laboratory system. Objective: To identify actionable recommendations for building a more resilient public health laboratory system based on previously published lessons learned from COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: In April 2023, the Association of Public Health Laboratories, in cooperation with RAND , convened a 1.5-day after action review workshop of approximately 30 public health laboratory stakeholders to reevaluate priorities, improve processes, and affect policies. Main Outcome Measures: Analysis of workshop discussions identified 5 priority areas and 19 recommendations related to clarifying laboratories’ unique role and promoting workforce capacity/agility, technology, and collaboration with governmental and nongovernmental partners. Results: Within the identified priority areas, workshop participants described how the recommendations would address challenges encountered during COVID-19 and contribute to strengthening the system. Conclusions: As the risk of novel infectious diseases persists and grows, the importance of maintaining laboratory response capabilities is likely to increase. Addressing the system’s weaknesses will require active engagement of laboratories and the many stakeholders who depend on them, along with consistent, adequate funding to strengthen and sustain capabilities.