Frontline Readiness: The Impact of Educational Interventions on High-Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) Exposure, Knowledge, and Willingness Among Medical Professionals in the Post-COVID Era

Introduction: Global connectivity increases the risk of infectious disease spread. Frontline healthcare workers’ knowledge and preparedness are crucial. HCIDs pose unique challenges due to high mortality and widespread impact. This study examines the current state of resident physicians’ knowledge on HCIDs as well as their comfort and willingness to provide care before and after specialized training. Methods: The study involved emergency medicine learners using a pre- and post-survey design to assess their knowledge and comfort with HCIDs. Participants attended a 30-minute lecture on HCIDs, followed by a hands-on simulation with high-level PPE. The post-survey measured changes in their understanding and comfort after the interventions. Results: Most participants were emergency medicine residents. 32% had HCID training, 45% PPE training, 35% treated HCID patients, and 48% participated in a drill. Before education, 25% believed PPE would limit care, 38% knew where to find equipment, and 67% knew where to find HCID resources. After the simulation, these numbers increased to 79%, 58%, and 97%, respectively. Confidence in HCID knowledge rose from 2.3 to 3.6, ability to identify risk factors from 2.8 to 3.8, and preparedness from 2.5-3.0 to 3.8. Comfort in determining PPE for COVID was highest, with a 1.4-1.6 point increase for Ebola and Marburg. Biocontainment PPE tasks were rated moderately difficult. Conclusion: Education and simulation significantly improved emergency medicine residents’ knowledge and preparedness for handling HCIDs. Post-simulation, there was a notable increase in the belief that PPE would limit patient care, awareness of equipment locations, and access to HCID resources. Confidence in identifying risk factors, symptoms, and preparedness for HCID care also saw substantial gains. Comfort in determining PPE for COVID remained the highest, with marked improvements for Ebola and Marburg. Overall, training effectively enhanced participants’ readiness and confidence in managing HCID scenarios, highlighting the importance of continued education and simulation in emergency medicine.