Continuity of Operations in Newborn Screening: Lessons Learned from Three Incidents

Abstract

Three incidents that impacted two US newborn screening (NBS) programs highlight the importance of contingency planning for the continuity of operations (COOP). Other NBS programs may benefit from the experience of these state programs for their own contingency planning efforts. Through after-action reviews conducted post-incident, crucial elements for the successful management of an incident were identified. We detailed the strengths, weaknesses, improvements needed, and future actions that will assist in preparing for other incidents as lessons learned.

Keywords

• contingency planning
• continuity of operations
• emergency preparedness
• disaster
• incident
• newborn screening