 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Expert Groups
The Role of Expert Groups
Under the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network (the Network), F/P/T collaboration on the day-to-day business of public health in Canada is conducted by a number of Expert Groups. The experts: academics, scientists, public servants and members of non-governmental organizations from across Canada. In each of their areas of expertise, each of these Groups coordinates activities, conducts research and facilitates the sharing of information in public health program and policy areas. They gather and consider information from Issue Groups to facilitate a more integrated and comprehensive perspective to public health. They also have decision-making authority related to considering work and material from Issue Groups.
The Network currently includes six Expert Groups in the areas of communicable disease control; emergency preparedness and response; public health laboratories; public health surveillance and information; chronic disease and injury prevention and control; and population health promotion.
Communicable Disease Control Expert Group (CDCEG)
The mandate of this Expert Group is to strengthen public health in Canada by developing a more integrated national approach to communicable disease prevention and control through effective F/P/T coordination of national strategies and recommendations.
The CDCEG provides strong leadership in communicable disease prevention and control through the development, recommendation and implementation of national policies, practices, guidelines and standards. For example, the CDCEG assisted the Network in updating the Canadian Pandemic Influenza Plan and developing the related Pan-Canadian Pandemic Communications Strategy. It continues to assist the Network with the implementation of Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Mumps Outbreaks in Canada, harmonized case definitions for health care acquired infections, a Canadian Rabies Management Plan, and a Pan-Canadian Pandemic Vaccine Strategy, including considerations for vaccine development and clinical trial design, approaches to immunization, adverse event surveillance and monitoring, and distribution.
Emergency Preparedness & Response Expert Group (EPREG)
The mandate of the EPREG is to develop and maintain an integrated, coordinated and comprehensive Pan-Canadian Health Emergency Management System that encompasses the full spectrum of emergency management including: Prevention/Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery.
The EPREG is responsible for coordinating and strengthening federal/ provincial/ territorial health emergency preparedness policy and planning, as well as providing technical advice and assistance as required. This is being accomplished through the development of evidence-based frameworks, documents, policies and practices that encompass emergency management. For example, the EPREG has recently co-ordinated the development of the Pan-Canadian Health Incident Management System, which facilitates planning and communication across jurisdictions during emergencies by defining roles and responsibilities and establishing operational guidelines and protocols that ensures coordinated planning across jurisdictions. The EPREG has also been instrumental in organizing the Emergency Preparedness and Response Forum for the past several years. The next Forum will be held in Fredericton, New Brunswick in October 2010.
Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network (CPHLN)
The Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network is a laboratory Expert Group within the Public Health Network. This group provides strong leadership in laboratory practices by utilizing the strength of its members to provide insight to, and draw technical expertise from, all fields of laboratory research and diagnostics. This allows the Network to provide consultation and advice in all stages of Canadian public health policy development.
In their efforts to provide rapid and coordinated nationwide response to emerging and re-emerging infectious disease threats CPHLN members actively participate and provide laboratory guidance to a wide range of national and international government and external stakeholder groups.
Surveillance and Information Expert Group (SIEG)
SIEG provides leadership and coordination in public health surveillance including data, information and policy interoperability, and knowledge synthesis, translation and exchange to support public health practice across Canada on an on-going basis. SIEG works to identify and address gaps and challenges in these areas at the national, provincial/territorial, and local levels. Since surveillance and information constitute a cornerstone of public health practice, SIEG works closely with the other Public Health Network Expert Groups, all of which are affected by these issues within their respective domains.
SIEG is focusing on (1) the use of information and Information Technology tools in public health practice to support evidence-based decision-making and (2) the protocols concerning ownership, analysis, integration and dissemination of information and knowledge, including the protection of privacy; and standards for public health surveillance. SIEG provides the coordination around an initiative to identify appropriate indicators to allow for comparison and assessment of health status across Canada’s jurisdictions.
SIEG was instrumental in developing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the sharing of information in preparing for and responding to a public health emergency. SIEG is now leading the implementation of an MOU for routine coordination of health information through the development of enhanced sharing agreements with provinces and territories.
Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention and Control Expert Group (CDIPCEG)
This Expert Group provides strong leadership in chronic disease and injury prevention and control through the development, recommendation and implementation of national policies, practices, guidelines and standards.
The CDIPCEG is working collaboratively to build the knowledge base on chronic disease and injury prevention; facilitating prevention efforts that focus on common risk factors; strengthening capacity; surveillance, monitoring and evaluation; and building and expanding partnerships. For example, the CDIPCEG assisted the Network in assessing the Advisory Committee on Population Health and Health Security (ACPHHS) report Enhancing Capacity for Surveillance of Chronic Disease Risk Factors and Determinants. The CDIPCEG also developed recommendations and approaches for implementation. During 2007-08, the CDIPCEG’s Action Plan and associated Workplan for strengthening chronic disease and injury surveillance was approved by Network Council.
Population Health Promotion Expert Group (PHPEG)
This Expert Group provides strong leadership to ensure coherent, comprehensive and collaborative approaches to promoting and improving the health of Canadians – and reducing existing health disparities among Canadians. The PHPEG advises Network Council on strategic directions and priorities for population health promotion in Canada and contributes to overall Network priorities by working in close collaboration with the other five Expert Groups.
The PHPEG is focusing on a range of issues, including: assisting in the implementation of the Integrated Pan-Canadian Healthy Living Strategy; developing common indicators for health disparities/inequalities in order to address the goals of the Healthy Living Strategy; facilitating partnerships to reduce disparities and improve of health; influencing health behaviours; and building capacity to influence the social and environmental conditions for good health.