299 Incorporating social determinants of health in pandemic preparedness planning training for field epidemiology training

PTH 2: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 2, B307 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 15:45 - 16:39 Aim This project aimed to integrate social determinants of health (SDH) into pandemic preparedness planning training for the Australian field epidemiology training (MAE) program. Methods The project was initiated through collaboration between the MAE program and the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO provided draft materials for the course. We joined the technical advisory group and provided feedback to finalise the materials adaptable to different contexts. To ensure relevance to the Australian context, we incorporated inputs from an advisory group, researchers, and learning designers and used the decolonisation and equity lens in the workshop design. The workshop was piloted in February 2025 with 15 participants and was evaluated through surveys and facilitators’ observations. Results There were three hours of scenario-based training. The scenario involved a ministerial request to include SDH in the pandemic preparedness plan outline, developed in prior sessions. Participants watched a short video on SDH and then listed and categorised SDH relevant to the Australian context. In two rounds, the participants were provided with WHO SDH categories and an article related to Australian First Nations’ health to refine the categories. The participants then worked in groups to select one SDH from the list and incorporate it into the plan. Eight individuals participated in the survey. 75% reported that listing and categorising SDH aided their learning however this was 50% for activities to incorporate them into the plan. Recognising and incorporating colonisation as an SDH created some discussions. Providing examples of how to incorporate SDH into the plan was suggested. Only one participant mentioned that they had not learnt about SDH. Participants were very active in listing SDH and thinking outside the common framework. Conclusion Including SDH in the pandemic preparedness planning will equip next-generation public health practitioners with the skills to promote health equity during pandemics and epidemics.