A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ASSESSING OUTCOMES OF CROSS-PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES FOR SOCIAL WORKERS, COMMUNITY SUPPORT STAFF, AND HEALTH SECURITY PERSONNEL IN EMERGENCY OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT AND READINESS
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Keywords
cross-professional education, social workers, community support staff, health security personnel, outbreak management, emergency preparedness, interprofessional training
Abstract
Background: Effective emergency outbreak management requires coordinated action among diverse professional groups, including social workers, community support staff, and health security personnel. Cross-professional education (CPE) initiatives have been proposed to enhance collaborative competencies, streamline response efforts, and improve readiness for public health emergencies. However, evidence regarding the outcomes of such educational programs across these sectors remains fragmented. Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the outcomes associated with cross-professional educational initiatives targeting social workers, community support staff, and health security personnel in the context of emergency outbreak management and readiness. Key outcomes include knowledge acquisition, skill development, interprofessional collaboration, confidence in outbreak response, and impacts on emergency preparedness and response performance. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and ERIC from database inception to 31 December 2024. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research evaluating cross-professional educational interventions for social workers, community support staff, and health security personnel in emergency outbreak management and readiness. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality, with findings synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity. Results: Of the 24 studies included, most reported significant improvements in participant knowledge and self-reported confidence in outbreak response following cross-professional educational interventions. Several studies demonstrated enhanced interprofessional communication and collaborative problem-solving skills among social workers, community support staff, and health security personnel. Limited evidence indicated positive effects on real-world emergency preparedness and response practices; however, few studies incorporated long-term follow-up or objective performance indicators. Common methodological limitations included small sample sizes, heterogeneity in outcome measures, and the absence of control groups. Conclusions: Cross-professional educational initiatives show promise in improving foundational competencies among social workers, community support staff, and health security personnel for emergency outbreak management and readiness. Gains in knowledge, confidence, and interprofessional collaboration were frequently reported, yet evidence linking these educational outcomes to measurable improvements in emergency responses is sparse. Future research should prioritize rigorous study designs, standardized outcomes, and longitudinal assessments to establish the effectiveness and sustainability of CPE strategies in diverse emergency contexts.
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