COVID-19 contact tracing online course - Queensland Health
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COVID-19 contact tracing online course Module 1 – Contact tracing basics
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Transcript of COVID-19 contact tracing online course - Queensland Health
COVID-19 contact tracing online course
Module 1 – Contact tracing basics
This module has been developed by Queensland Health for Queensland Government and local government employees interested in becoming a Contact Tracing Officer (CTO) or Contact Tracing Support Officer (CTSO) to undertake COVID-19 contact tracing.
This module does not replace the mandatory Contact Tracing Officer training on iLearn which is one of the requirements for appointment as CTO.
Please also refer to the notes under each slide for additional content and explanations.
This module is current as of September 2021.For any questions, email [email protected]
Purpose of this training – Who is this for?
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This module is one of four modules that make up the COVID-19 contact tracing online course:• Module 1 – Contact tracing basics• Module 2 – COVID-19 specifics• Module 3 – Contact tracing in hospital settings• Module 4 – Contact tracing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Training pathway:
Context of this training
iLearn
MandatoryContact Tracing Officer training on iLearn for appointment as CTO
1 2 3
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
RecommendedCOVID-19 contact tracing online course
Mentoring onsite by designated public health unit or Health Contact Centre and assessment of suitability for appointment as CTO or CTSO
Core modules
Electives
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• Key learning objectives• Unit 1 – Introduction to contact tracing• Unit 2 – Public Health Act 2005, Chapter 3, Part 3• Unit 3 – Privacy & confidentiality• Unit 4 – Skills & techniques• Unit 5 – WorldCare system overview• Summary• Key resources• Quiz
Table of Contents
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• Understand the concept of contact tracing• Understand the importance of contact tracing as it applies to the
prevention and control of notifiable conditions• Identify and understand relevant legislative requirements including
issues around privacy and confidentiality• Identify information that is to be provided by contacts and business
contacts• Be aware of appropriate interview techniques to be used when
undertaking contact tracing
Key learning objectives
5
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:16 -------------------------------------------- The key learning objectives of this course are to: understand the concept of contact tracing understand the importance of contact tracing as it applies to the prevention and control of notifiable conditions identify and understand relevant legislative requirements including issues around privacy and confidentiality identify information that is to be provided by contacts and business contacts be aware of appropriate communication strategies to be used when undertaking contact tracing.
Unit 1 - Introduction to contact tracing
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Contact tracing is the process of identifying relevant contacts of a person who has or is likely to have a notifiable condition (the case), ensuring they are aware of their exposure and are managed appropriately to reduce the likelihood of them developing the infection and/or passing it on to others.
What is contact tracing?
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Contact tracing is the process of identifying relevant contacts of a person who has or is likely to have a notifiable condition and ensuring they are aware of their exposure risk and are managed appropriately to reduce the likelihood of them developing the infection and/or passing it on to others. Contact tracing also allows public health teams to understand how an infectious disease is spreading in the community. Contact tracing is a key strategy for preventing further spread of disease and is therefore an immediate action undertaken by public health departments. This time tested public health strategy has been used during the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and also the SARS outbreak in 2003. However, training a large number of people to assist the health workforce is necessary to scale up contact tracing efforts during the current pandemic.
Source: ANU COVID 19 - Indigenous Health Module 2 - Contact Tracing, https://covid-19training.gov.au/dashboard/8
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- In terms of contact tracing for COVID-19 cases, there are three groups of people: Those who are not infected Those who have been infected and are likely to be contagious, but not showing any symptoms of disease Those who are infected, contagious and showing symptoms of disease. This diagram shows what will happen if we do nothing, that means the disease is transmitted to many others in the community. The second row then shows how disease transmission is slowed when an infected person is identified and self-isolates while infectious. The third row shows what happens when an infected person self-isolates and their close contacts are quarantined at the same time. By contact tracing we are attempting to limit disease transmission when cases are first identified.
• To help prevent or minimise the spread of a notifiable condition by identifying and providing information to people who have, or may be at risk of contracting a notifiable condition.
• To collect data to better manage the outbreak, understand the disease and identify groups most at risk.
What is the aim of contact tracing?
9
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- The aim of contact tracing is to help prevent or minimise the spread of a notifiable condition by identifying and providing information to people who have, or may be at risk of contracting a notifiable condition. Legislation underpins this work and Section 89 of the Public Health Act 2005 defines the functions of a Contact Tracing Officer. These are: identifying persons who may have contracted a notifiable condition identifying persons who may transmit a notifiable condition to others informing persons who may have contracteda notifiable condition so that they seek medical examination and treatment providing information to persons who may have contracted a notifiable condition to prevent or minimise transmission of the notifiable condition obtaining information about the following to prevent or minimise transmission of a notifiable condition: how a person has, or may have, exposed others to the notifiable condition how the person has, or may have, been exposed to the notifiable condition.
Why is contact tracing so crucial to contain transmission?
Contact tracing is crucial to protect communities from further spread of the disease by identifying contacts and ensuring they do not interact with others until they are no longer an infectionrisk.
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Contact tracing is crucial to protect communities from further spread of the disease by identifying contacts and ensuring they do not interact with others until they are no longer an infection risk. Time is of the essence, so in order to contain an outbreak it is important to understand who is infected, then look at who may have been exposed and potentially infected. If this can be done quickly and effectively then it is possible to dramatically decrease the impact of the disease on communities, vulnerable groups and individuals.
Principles of contact tracing• Only authorised Contact Tracing Officers can legally
require information to be provided.• Respect for cases and contacts• Privacy and confidentiality• Awareness of cultural sensitivities or needs• Awareness and access to appropriate support
services, e.g. Telephone Interpreter Service• Referral if needed
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- It is essential to observe a number of principles when contact tracing: Only authorised Contact Tracing Officers can legally require information to be provided. The rights and dignity of both case and contacts must be respected at all times. Confidentiality of the information provided to or accessed by a Contact Tracing Officer is imperative. Details of others cannot be passed on to other contacts. Records are to be stored securely and locked away at the close of business. When discussing cases and contacts with staff, Contact Tracing Officers need to be mindful of where they are talking to maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times. Contact tracing should ideally be undertaken with appropriate and culturally sensitive support services readily available to cases or contacts. Cultural needs, such as religious, familyand traditional needs, must be recognised and acknowledged. Contact Tracing Officers need to be aware of appropriate services to support these needs where necessary. If there is a need to use an interpreter then the Telephone Interpreter Service should be used (never family or friends for confidentiality and professional purposes).
1 Introduce the reasons for contact tracing to the case (initial contact)
2Help the case identify who they have been in contact with during a specific period of time (create line list)
3 Prioritise and contact high-risk contacts to inform them about their potential exposure
4 Give advice on reducing spread of the disease to others and that follow-ups will occur
5 Advise and help facilitate public health actions, e.g. vaccination, quarantine
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Basic steps of contact tracing
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Contact tracing commences when a notifiable condition is reported to a public health unit. The Contact Tracing Officer is informed that a person has, or may have been exposed to, a notifiable condition. A good knowledge of the transmission mechanisms and the infectious period for the condition are vital so that the necessary relevant information can be gathered before the actual contact tracing commences. The communicable diseases control guidelines available on the Queensland Health website are a good resource for the Contact Tracing Officer. The process of contact tracing involves a number of steps and, while the approach may vary depending on the population involved, the basic steps include: The Contact Tracing Officer identifies themself to the case and explains that information is sought in order to prevent or minimise the spread of the notifiable condition. The Contact Tracing Officer helps the case identify who they have been in contact with during a specific period of time and requests contact information from them to create a line list (a list or spreadsheet that contains the names and contact details of their contacts which also includes other information such as onset date of symptoms etc.) The Contact Tracing Officer prioritises contacts according to the level of risk of acquiring the notifiable condition and potentially spreading it to others. High risk contacts are those more likely to acquire the condition, or anyone who has an underlying condition that compromises their immune system making them more susceptible to either developing the condition following exposure or to developing severe forms of illness. High risk contacts should be contacted first. The case may have contracted or passed on the notifiable condition in the course of a business transaction (for example, in a retail outlet or on public transport). In this case, business contact information may be sought from the businesses involved to ascertain any information about possible contacts and the type of contact that occurred. There are processes in place should this information need to be accessed. Whilst other relevant information may be gathered in this step, only the defined ‘contact information’ and ‘business contact information’ is legally required to be provided to a Contact Tracing Officer. The Contact Tracing Officer provides advice on the quarantine requirements and how to reduce the spread of the disease to others. It should also be mentioned that follow-ups will occur. The Contact Tracing Officer advises and helps facilitate public health actions, e.g. vaccination, quarantine.
A CTO needs to be:• able to engage with cases• able to encourage cooperation• supportive• non-judgemental• empathetic.
Success factors of contact tracing
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- The success of contact tracing is reliant on the Contact Tracing Officer being able to engage with cases and encourage co-operation and a willingness to participate in the contact tracing process. A range of supportive counselling skills can be used to manage any resistance to contact tracing. The Contact Tracing Officer needs to be supportive, non-judgemental and empathetic in their approach rather than coercive which can result in incorrect, inconsistent or no information being supplied. Whilst the Public Health Act 2005 does not prescribe particular competencies required for contact tracing, it does state that for the appointment as a Contact Tracing Officer the Chief Executive must be satisfied that the person has the necessary expertise or experience to be qualified for the appointment. In the absence of a competency requirement, eligibility is normally based on completion of the iLearn course ‘Contact Tracing Officer training’ and mentorship activities as well as endorsement by a supervisor, however, the delegate may request additional information. Upon appointment as a Contact Tracing Officer, the individual’s name will be added to the register maintained by the Health Protection Branch, Department of Health.
Only a person appointed as a Contact Tracing Officer under the Public Health Act 2005 has the power to require contact information to be provided.
Who can do contact tracing?Public Health Act 2005
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Only persons appointed as a contact tracing officer under The Public Health Act 2005 have the power to require contact information to be provided. Contact Tracing Officers upon completion of the relevant training will be appointed with authorisation to undertake contact tracing for COVID-19 during this pandemic period. Post COVID-19, all COVID-19 specific Contact Tracing Officer appointments will cease.
Unit 2 - Public Health Act 2005, Chapter 3,Part 3
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Queensland Health has a statutory responsibility for the appointment of individuals who have the necessary expertise and experience required to undertake the role of a Contact Tracing Officer. It is important that a Contact Tracing Officer understands the legislation that governs their appointment and the responsibilities and powers authorised through the Public Health Act 2005. Therefore it is imperative that the relevantsections of the Public Health Act 2005 and regulation are read before seeking appointment as a Contact Tracing Officer.
• Notifiable conditions (Schedule 1) are those that are required under thePublic Health Act 2005 to be reported to Queensland public health units.
• A notifiable condition can be required to be reported based on:clinical diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, pathology request, provisional diagnosis or controlled notifiable condition
• Information sent to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance Service (NNDSS) for national reporting
• Not all infectious diseases are notifiable, only those of public health significance
• Not all notifiable diseases are infectious (e.g. lead exposure)
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Notifiable conditions
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:17 -------------------------------------------- Notifiable conditions are those that are required to be reported to Queensland public health units under the Public Health Act 2005. A notifiable conditions can be required to be reported based on: clinical diagnosis based on symptoms, where no specific test is available, e.g. ciguatera poisoning, food or water borne illness in two or more cases, Australian Bat Lyssavirus potential exposure pathological diagnosis, where a pathology test specific to the disease or condition is undertaken pathology request, requesting certain tests is notifiable and is reported by the laboratory to Queensland Health, e.g. SARS, MERS, COVID-19 provisional diagnosis, where a clinician suspects that a person has a certain disease while awaiting laboratory confirmation, e.g. measles, COVID-19, viral haemorrhagic fever such as Ebola controlled notifiable condition where substantial impact on public health and the ordinary conduct of a person with the condition is likely to result in the transmission of the condition to someone else, and the transmission of the condition will result in or is likely to result in long-term or deleterious consequences for the health of the person that the disease is transmitted to, e.g. TB, typhoid, plague. Some diseases can belong to a number of categories, e.g. COVID-19, Ebola, TB, rabies and small pox. Information is sent to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance Service (NNDSS) for national reporting. It is important to understand that not all infectious diseases are notifiable, only those of public health significance, and that not all notifiable diseases are infectious to others, e.g. lead exposure is notifiable but not infectious to others.
• Queensland Public Health Act 2005Sets out broad legal/policy principles
Provides basic safeguards necessary to protect public health through cooperation between state and local governments, healthcare providers and community.
Protection of public health is achieved by preventing, controlling and reducing risks to public health. https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2005-048
• Public Health Regulation 2018Supports the administration of theActDesignates notifiable conditions (Schedule 1)
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2018-0117
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Legislation
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- Legislation that underpins contact tracing activities: The Queensland Public Health Act 2005 sets out the broad legal and policy principles that underpin the work undertaken by public health units in Queensland. It provides the basic safeguards necessary to protect public health through cooperation between the state and local governments, healthcare providers and the community. Protection of public health is achieved by preventing, controlling and reducing risks to public health. Beneath the Act sits the Public Health Regulation 2018 which supports the work described in the Act. It designates certain conditions as notifiable under Schedule 1.
Persons who may be appointed as a Contact Tracing Officer (CTO):• public service officer or employee• health service employee• person prescribed under a regulation• person employed by local government.
Sections 90 & 91 – Eligibility and qualifications for appointment
s90
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s91
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- Contact Tracing Officers are appointed under Section 90 of the Public Health Act 2005. This section defines persons who may be appointed as a Contact Tracing Officer: public service officer or employee health service employee person prescribed under a regulation and person employed by local government.
CTOs need to:• introduce themselves explaining they are
appointed as Contact Tracing Officer under the Public Health Act 2005 and the purpose of the interview
• identify and address any concerns of the case and advise that all information collected is confidential and cannot be disclosed except as required by applicable legislation.
Sections 93 & 94 – Issue of identity card
s93
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s94
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- A Contact Tracing Officer needs to introduce themselves explaining they are appointed as a Contact Tracing Officer under the Public Health Act 2005 and the purpose of the interview is to identify and address any concerns of the case and advise that all information collected is confidential and cannot be disclosed except as required by applicable legislation.
• This section places conditions and limits on the powers of CTOs.
• This allows individuals with particular expertise with a limited range of notifiable conditions to undertake contact tracing activities as a CTO for a specified timeframe and notifiable condition.
• Same training and appointment requirements.
Section 92 – Limiting powers
s92
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- The role of a Contact Tracing Officer can be limited to a specific condition such as COVID-19, which is defined in Section 92. This allows individuals with particular expertise with a limited range of notifiable conditions to undertake contact tracing activities as a Contact Tracing Officer for a specified timeframe and notifiable condition. The same training and appointment requirements are necessary.
• Majority of contact tracing activities take place through verbal requesting of information.
• If a contact refuses to provide requested information, CTOs can exercise specific legal powers (as per the Public Health Act 2005) to obtain the requested information.
• CTOs can issue a (written) notice if the contact information is not provided.
• CTOs can also request proof of correctness of information given.
Sections 99-101 – Powers to require contact information
s99-101
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- Sections 99-101 define the powers to require contact information. The majority of contact tracing activities will take place through verbal requesting of information. If a contact refuses to provide requested information, a Contact Tracing Officer can exercise special legal powers under the Public Health Act 2005 to obtain the requested information. If a Contact Tracing Officer suspects that the information provided is false, they may ask the person to provide proof that the information is correct. If a person fails to comply with the Contact Tracing Officer’s request to provide contact information or to provide proof that the information is correct, the Contact Tracing Officer may give the person a (written) notice requiring them to provide the information.
Unit 3 - Privacy & confidentiality
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Why are privacy and confidentiality important?• The Public Health Act 2005 aims to protect people from notifiable conditions and the
spread of communicable diseases while providing a balance between protecting public health and allowing individual rights to liberty and privacy.
• Privacy and confidentiality are important because: people have the right to choose, except in limited circumstances, who can access
information about their health
people may be reluctant to seek medical attention if their privacy is not protected
disclosure that individuals have been tested for or have a communicable disease can invite social stigma and discrimination.
• It is imperative to maintain and respect the case’s/contact’s privacy by only requesting the information required to prevent or minimise the spread of the notifiable condition.
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- The Public Health Act 2005 aims to protect people from notifiable conditions and the spread of communicable diseases while providing a balance between protecting public health and allowing individual rights to liberty and privacy. Privacy and confidentiality are important because: people have the right to choose, except in limited circumstances, who can access information about their health people may be reluctant to seek medical attention if their privacy is not protected disclosure that individuals have been tested for or have a communicable disease can invite social stigma and discrimination. It is imperative to maintain and respect the case’s/contact’s privacy by only requesting the information required to prevent or minimise the spread of the notifiable condition. For more information, see the Australasian Contact Tracing Guidelines at http://contacttracing.ashm.org.au/why-are-privacy-and-confidentiality-important
• Chapter 3 Part 2 – information in NoCS (Notifiable Conditions System) which includes:
a person’s name and contactdetails
testing information such as type of test, diagnosis or provisional diagnosis
• Chapter 3 Part 3 – information that has become known to a CTO while performing their contact tracing functions, which includes information obtained in relation to cases, contacts and businesses such as:
a person’s name
address or other address where the person may be contacted
who the person with a notifiable condition has been in contact with
circumstances of the potential exposure to a notifiable condition
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Confidentiality & Public Health Act 2005
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:18 -------------------------------------------- Sections 99 and 101 of the Public Health Act 2005 define contact information as: a person's name and residential address or another address where the person may be contacted the name, address, whereabouts andtelephone number of any other person who may have transmitted the notifiable condition to the person or to whom the person may have transmitted the notifiable condition information about the circumstances in which the person may have been exposed to or may have exposed another person to the notifiable condition. In addition, a relevant person (a Contact Tracing Officer appointed under Section 90 of the Public Health Act 2005 or a person involved in the administration or enforcement of the contact tracing provisions of the Act) is bound by the confidentiality provisions of Sections 104 to 110 of the Public Health Act 2005. Section 105 states that confidential information cannot be disclosed directly or indirectly, except as outlined in Sections 106 to 110 which include exceptions. In rare circumstances, the name of the person may need to be disclosed to facilitate contact tracing. Prior to the disclosure, consent must be obtained by the person. If this circumstance arises seek guidance from your supervisor.
• Confidential information is information collected by a person providing a Queensland Health service, from which a person who is receiving or has received a Queensland Health service could be identified.
• Confidential information includes:name, contact details, date of birthmedical/health/diagnostic informationa person’s express wishes about future health services to be provided to them
(e.g. a do not resuscitate request)personal information, such as unique physical characteristics (e.g. tattoos,
birthmarks), cultural background, relationship details, family circumstances, occupation and employment history
• Confidential information under the HHB Act also includes information relevant to deceased persons.
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Confidentiality & Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011 (HHB Act)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- Confidential information is information collected by a person providing a Queensland Health service, from which a person who is receiving or has received a Queensland Health service could be identified. Confidential information includes (note, this list is not exhaustive): name, contact details, date of birth medical/health/diagnostic information a person’s express wishes about futurehealth services to be provided to them (e.g. a do not resuscitate request) personal information such as unique physical characteristics (e.g. tattoos, birthmarks), cultural background, relationship details, family circumstances, occupation and employment history. Confidential information under the HHB Act also includes information relevant to deceased persons.
Identifiable, or potentially identifiable, information must not be disclosed, except:• with written or oral consent of the person to whom the information relates• to another Contact Tracing Officer or a person involved in the administration or
enforcement of the contract tracing provisions of the Public Health Act 2005• to a health practitioner such as a GP caring for or nominated by the case• a parent or guardian of a child• a health department in another state or territory for the purpose of contacting another
person that may have been exposed or potential source of infection• if authorised by another Act or anotherlaw• to another person if authorised by the chief executive to protect the health of that person
or another person• the chief executive believes on reasonable grounds the disclosure is in the
public interest and the chief executive has authorised in writing the disclosure• in rare circumstances, the name of the person may need to be disclosed to
facilitate contact tracing. If this arises seek guidance from your supervisor.26
Disclosure of confidential information
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- Identifiable, or potentially identifiable, information must not be disclosed, except: with written or oral consent of the person to whom the information relates to another Contact Tracing Officer or a person involved in the administration or enforcement of the contract tracing provisions of the Public Health Act 2005 to a health practitioner such as a GP caring for or nominated by the case a parent or guardian of a child a health department in another state or territory for the purpose of contacting another person that may have been exposed or potential source of infection if authorised by another Act or another law to another person if authorised by the chief executive to protect the health of that person or another person the chief executive believes on reasonable grounds the disclosure is in the public interest and the chief executive has authorised in writing the disclosure in rare circumstances, the name of the person may need to be disclosed to facilitate contact tracing. If this arises seek guidance from your supervisor.
• The unauthorised access to, or disclosure of, confidential information to someone, without the consent of the person who owns it. This applies even when the person is deceased.
• Using information differently to how it was intended to be used including not accessing the information for legitimate reasons in connection with the person’s role, such as for personal reasons or financial gain.
• Disciplinary action may be taken by Queensland Health against a staff member for disclosing or misusing confidential information.
• It is also an offence to unlawfully disclose confidential information under the Public Health Act 2005 and Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011.
• In circumstances where there is a breach, Queensland Health may instigate legal proceedings and the person may be liable to pay a penalty.
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What is a breach of confidentiality?
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- The breach of confidentiality is: the unauthorised access to, or disclosure of, confidential information to someone, without the consent of the person who owns it. This applies even when the person is deceased. using information differently to how it was intended to be used including not accessing the information for legitimate reasons in connection with the person’s role, such as for personal reasons or financial gain. Disciplinary action may be taken by Queensland Health against a staff member for disclosing or misusing confidential information. It is also an offence to unlawfully disclose confidential information under the Public Health Act 2005 and Hospital and Health Boards Act 2011. In circumstances where there is a breach, Queensland Health may instigate legal proceedings and the person may be liable to pay a penalty.
• Regulates how Queensland Government agencies, including Queensland Health, must manage personal information
• Provides a right for individuals to apply for access and amendment of their personal information.
• Queensland Health employees must comply with the AustralianPrivacy Principles (APPs).
• APPs are rules about how Queensland Health must handle all personal information, including collection, storage, use and disclosure of personal information.
• For more information about the APPs, visit https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/
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Information Privacy Act 2009
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- The Information Privacy Act 2009: regulates how Queensland Government agencies, including Queensland Health, must manage personal information provides a right for individuals to apply for access and amendment of their personal information. Queensland Health employees must comply with the National Privacy Principles (NPPs). NPPs are rules about how Queensland Health must handle all personal information, including collection, storage, use and disclosure of personal information. For more information about the NPPs go to https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/australian-privacy-principles/
Unit 4 - Skills & techniques
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Skills and techniques for CTOs
Functional referralRespect EmpathySelf-
awareness
• Contact tracing will involve some elements of a counselling role.• Staff performing contact tracing duties should possess sufficient
knowledge regarding the management of the notifiable condition in order to provide accurate advice to a contact.
• Contact tracing should be done in a sensitive, respectful and professional manner.
• Skills:Good
listening & communi-
cation
30
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- While contact tracing is a tool to support positive public health outcomes, the personal issues associated with notifiable conditions mean contact tracing will often involve some elements of a counselling role. Staff performing contact tracing duties should possess sufficient knowledge regarding the management of the notifiable condition in order to provide accurate advice to a contact. Contact tracing should be done in a sensitive, respectful and professional manner. It is important to keep in mind the person being interviewed may not be aware of their exposure. A Contact Tracing Officer may be informing them of their risk of acquiring a notifiable condition that they may know little or nothing about. Understandably this may be both alarming and frightening, and initially elicit a fearful or angry response. The approach to contact tracing may vary depending on the population involved, thus a flexible approach that respects the rights and dignity of clients and cultural sensitivity is needed. There are several communication skills and techniques required when undertaking contact tracing. A Contact Tracing Officer requires: • good listening and communication skills is patient and allows the person to express feelings freely is able to note what is said, and not said, by the person is able to identify and address person’s concerns regarding the contact tracing process confidentially. • self-awareness skills be non-judgemental be aware of own limits and be able to communicate that to the person and refer if needed. • respect in their dealings with the interviewee gives uninterrupted and full attention to the person develops trust and rapport develops a clear understanding ofinterviewee’s concerns. • empathy is able to paraphrase what the interviewee is saying to confirm that the information heard is correct • understanding of functional referral understands a person’s needs is aware of and can refer a person to appropriate support services to support these needs where necessary.
• Successfully completed the mandatory iLearn course 'Contact Tracing Officertraining' and meets the suitability requirements to be appointed as Contact Tracing Officer under the Public Health Act 2005.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contact tracing as it applies to the prevention and control of notifiable conditions or the specific notifiable condition the authority relates to.
• Able to identify and understand relevant legislative requirements including issues around privacy and confidentiality.
• High level oral communication and interpersonal skills including telephone interview skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when completing documentation or performing data entry.
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team.31
Checklist skills & attributes Contact Tracing Officer
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:19 -------------------------------------------- To be successful in the role of a Contact Tracing Officer the person must have completed the mandatory Contact Tracing Officer training on iLearn and be appointed under the Public Health Act 2005. A Contact Tracing Officer: is able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of contact tracing as it applies to the prevention and control of notifiable conditions or the specific notifiable condition the authority relates to is able to identify and understand the relevant legislative requirements including issues surrounding privacy and confidentiality has a high level of oral communication and interpersonal skills including telephone interview skills has a high attention to detail and accuracy when completing documentation or performing data entry is able to follow instructions works well in a team environment.
• Successfully completed the mandatory iLearn course 'Contact Tracing Officer training'.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of contact tracing as it applies to the prevention and control of COVID-19.
• Data management skills including data entry into dedicated contact tracing databases.
• Experience in quality assurance including data cleansing and validation.
• Administrative skills including use of software applications, preparing correspondence and record keeping.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High attention to detail and accuracy when completing documentation or performing data entry.
• Ability to follow instructions and work in a team.
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Checklist skills & attributes Contact Tracing Support Officer
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:20 -------------------------------------------- To be successful in the role of a Contact Tracing Support Officer the person must have completed the mandatory Contact Tracing Officer training on iLearn. A Contact Tracing Support Officer: will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of contact tracing as it applies to the prevention and control of disease will be able to identify and understand the relevant legislative requirements including issues surrounding privacy and confidentiality has well developed data management skills including data entry into dedicated contact tracing databases has experience in quality assurance including data cleansing and validation possesses administrative skills including use of software applications, preparing correspondence and record keeping has good communication skills, both written and verbal has high attention to detail and accuracy when completing documentation or performing data entry is able to follow instructions works well in a team environment.
Interview techniques• Good listening and communication skills
• Self awareness
• Respect
• Empathy
• No blame
• Functional referral
• Re-wording questions if not getting a clear answer
• Skills to de-escalate conversations if needed
• Gently re-direct the interviewee as needed
• Stick to the facts
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:20 -------------------------------------------- The following lists a range of interview techniques: Interviews will be done mainly over the phone. Techniques used in phone counselling are different in part to face-to-face interviewing. There is no visual feedback indicating the person has understood what was said. Any alarm they may feel or disinterest is not visibly obvious. Explain what you are doing and why you are doing it. People are generally very happy to participate in an interview if they know why your are calling and what it is about. Be confident and friendly – this is key! Be conversational – try to mirror the tone, pace and diction of the person you are interviewing where appropriate. Stick to the script and questionnaire you have been provided. If you feel you’re not getting the right answer, or the person can’t remember certain activities, re-word the questions or ask in a different way. Sometimes you need to probe for specific answers if a response is vague. For example, ask ‘Did you go to the shops this week?’ as opposed to ‘What did you do about groceries?’ or ‘Who got your groceries for you?’. You may need to use prompting to jog their memory, for example linking events or activities to days, e.g. public holiday or show day, payday or the day you visited the doctor. Then work backwards from a set time. It is important that the interviewee does not feel like they are at fault. If required use Telephone Interpreter Services. Never use family or friends as this may be a breach of confidentiality. Refer to community support services, e.g. groceries, mental health support. More questioning and checking is required to establish these things so they can be dealt with. Allow the interviewee time to ask questions. Always express gratitude when ending the interview. Sometimes it may be necessary to redirect the interviewee so that you are able to get as much information as needed as quickly as possible. Being able to manage your time effectively is important when you have many people to contact. Always stick to the facts and do not deviate from the script.
Important things to remember• Practise until you’re comfortable.
• Find a quiet place to conduct interviews.
• Always ask if the interviewee identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and record this (including if they don’t want to disclose it).
• Accurately record what it is that people tell you and check spelling of names, email addresses.
• Sometimes conversations can be difficult or challenging. Don’t take it personally!
• Persistence can pay off.
• You may need to make multiple calls to get a response, try different times/days.
• Always record the date and time of your calls.
• If you notice a pattern in responses, be sure to tell your team leader asap.
• Fill out all fields on the questionnaire.
• Write legibly, someone will eventually have to read it.34
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:20 -------------------------------------------- Contact tracing has been likened to ‘being a detective’. There are a few important things to remember: It is always a good idea to do a practice run until you’re comfortable with the questionnaire that has been provided. Usually a quiet place is best to conduct your interviews although this may not always be possible. Always ask if the interviewee identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and record this (including if they don’t want to disclose it). Accurately recording the information provided to you is one of the most important tasks in contact tracing, this includes checking spelling of names and email addresses. Sometimes conversations can be difficult or challenging. Don’t take it personally. It is okay to ask the interviewee why they are refusing to answer questions or provide additional information. Reiterate to the interviewee the reasons you are calling and the importance of identifying contacts and providing them with information and advice. Sometimes their unwillingness to share might be related to fear of ‘getting themselves or someone else in trouble’ or that they will be blamed. You may have to call someone multiple times before you get a response and it is important to document all attempts to contact the individual. Consider calling at different times ofthe day, during the evening or on weekends to improve the chance of making contact. During the course of the interviews you may notice a pattern in the responses given, e.g. attending the same event or repeat contacts so it’s important that you tell your team leader as soon as possible as this information may be critical to managing the outbreak. Fill out all fields on the questionnaire and remember to record the date and time for completeness of information. It is essential that you write legibly, someone will eventually have to read it!
Unit 5 – WorldCare system overview
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• WorldCare is a disease surveillance and reporting system that allows a number of sources to inform a public health department of potential disease incidents that need to be legally reported.
• The system receives laboratory results from Auslab, QML, Sullivan & Nicolaides and other private pathology services.
• The system also provides tools for public health departmentemployees to conduct a thorough investigation of the casessubmitted.
WorldCare Surveillance & Outbreak Management
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Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:20 -------------------------------------------- WorldCare is a disease surveillance and reporting system that allows a number of sources to inform a public health department of potential disease incidents that need to be legally reported. The system receives laboratory results from Auslab, QML, Sullivan & Nicolaides and other private pathology services. The system also provides tools for public health department employees to conduct a thorough investigation of the cases submitted.
For those who will need to access WorldCare, training is available on the Queensland Health Intranet QHEPS at:
https://qheps.health.qld.gov.au/cdu/notifiable-condition-system/worldcare-covid-19-solution
WorldCare training
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• Key learning objectives• Unit 1 – Introduction to contact tracing• Unit 2 – Public Health Act 2005, Chapter 3, Part 3• Unit 3 – Privacy & confidentiality• Unit 4 – Skills & techniques• Unit 5 – WorldCare system overview• Summary• Key resources• Quiz
Summary
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• Queensland Health websitehttps://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/
• Public Health Act 2005https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/inforce/current/act-2005-048
• Public Health Regulation 2018 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2018-0117
• Contact Tracing Officer training on iLearn https://ilearncatalogue.health.qld.gov.au/course/442/contact-tracing-officer
• Australian Government Department of Health website https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), CDNA National guidelines for public health units (SoNG) https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cdna-song-novel-coronavirus.htm
• Johns Hopkins University global map https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
Key resources – information toolbox
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Quiz
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Note, the correct answers are contained in the notes section, i.e. click on the speech bubble symbol in the top left corner of the slides.
Q1: What does contact tracing involve?
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Identifying relevant contacts of a person who has or is likely to have a notifiable condition
Ensuring contacts are aware of their exposure Ensuring contacts are managed appropriately to reduce
the likelihood of them developing the infection and/orpassing it on to others
All of the above
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answer: All of the above
Q2: Sort the 5 basic steps of contact tracing into the correct order.
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• Advise and help facilitate public health actions, e.g. vaccination, quarantine
• Give advice on reducing spread of the disease to others and that follow-ups will occur
• Introduce the reasons for contact tracing to the case (initial contact)• Prioritise and contact high-risk contacts to inform them about their potential
exposure• Help the case identify who they have been in contact with during a specific
period of time (create line list)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct order: Introduce the reasons for contact tracingto the case (initial contact) Help the case identify who they have been in contact with during a specific period of time (create line list) Prioritise and contact high-risk contacts to inform them about their potential exposure Give advice on reducing spread of the disease to others and that follow-ups will occur Advise and help facilitate public health actions, e.g. vaccination, quarantine
Q3: Who can undertake contact tracing according to the Public Health Act 2005?
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Any Queensland Health staff Anyone who wishes to be a Contact Tracing Officer Only appointed Contact Tracing Officers
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answer: Only appointed Contact Tracing Officers
Notifiable conditions (Schedule 1) are those that are required under the Public Health Act 2005 to be reported to Queensland public health units.
A notifiable condition can be required to be reported based on clinical diagnosis, pathological diagnosis,pathologyrequest, provisional diagnosis or controlled notifiable condition.
Not all infectious diseases are notifiable, only those of public health significance.
All notifiable diseases are infectious.
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Q4: Which statements about notifiable conditions are correct? (Select all that apply.)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answers: Notifiable conditions (Schedule 1) are those that are required under the Public Health Act 2005 to be reported to Queensland Health public health units. A notifiable condition can be required to be reported based on clinical diagnosis, pathological diagnosis, pathology request, provisional diagnosis or controlled notifiable condition Not all infectious diseases are notifiable,only those of public health significance.
CTO can issue a (written) notice if the contact information is not provided.
CTO can issue a fine. CTO can request proof of correctness of information given. CTO can refer contact to the police.
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Q5: If a contact refuses to provide requested information, a CTO can exercise specific legal powers to obtain the requested information. What are these powers? (Select all that apply.)
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answers: CTO can issue a (written) notice if the contact information is not provided. CTO can request proof of correctness of information given.
Q6: Maintaining privacy and confidentiality in contact tracing is crucial. Which statement is correct?
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All information collected is confidential and must never be disclosed to anyone.
All information collected is confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone except as authorised under the applicable legislation.
All information collected is confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone except as authorised under the applicable legislation (there are some exceptions).
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answer: All information collected is confidential and must not be disclosed to anyone except as authorised under the applicable legislation (there are some exceptions).
Q7: Which skills are important when undertaking contact tracing? (Select all that apply.)
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Good listening and communication skills Respect Empathy No blame Functional referral Speed
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answers: Good listening and communication skills Respect Empathy No blame Functional referral
Q8: What things can you do to improve your success as a contact tracing officer? (Select all that apply.)
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Practise until you’re comfortable. Find a quiet place to conduct interviews. Share your personal experiences. You may need to make multiple calls to get a response.
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answers: Practice until you’re comfortable. Find a quiet place to conduct interviews. You may need to make multiple calls to get a response.
A disease outbreak information system from the WHO. A disease surveillance and reporting system that allows a number
of sources to inform a public health department of potential disease incidents that need to be legally reported.
None of the above
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Q9: What is WorldCare?
Presenter
Presentation Notes
Presenter 2021-05-31 00:15:21 -------------------------------------------- Correct answer: A disease surveillance and reporting system that allows a number of sources to inform a public health department of potential disease incidents that need to be legally reported.
