Early action reviews (EAR)

An EAR serves as an agile performance enhancement methodology. Its implementation fosters adaptive changes in strategies and actions. For outbreaks, it leverages the 7-1-7 metrics to optimize early disease detection, timely notification, and swift response actions in public health contexts:

• Rapid Detection: The first '7' in 7-1-7 represents the goal of detecting a suspected infectious disease outbreak within 7 days of its emergence. This rapid detection is crucial for initiating an effective early response.
• Swift Notification: The '1' in the metric signifies the target of notifying public health authorities within 1 day of detecting an outbreak. This prompt notification is essential to mobilize resources and coordinate responses.
• Effective Response: The final '7' underscores the objective of completing early response actions within 7 days of notification. This ensures that the response to the outbreak is not only rapid but also comprehensive and effective.

EARs aim to minimize delays in detection, notification, and response, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of outbreak management and reducing the risk of outbreaks escalating or becoming uncontrollable.