Handbook on simulation exercises in EU public health settings: How to develop simulation exercises for supporting preparedness and response to communicable diseases

The purpose of this simulation exercise handbook is to support organisations in the public health sector in strengthening their response to events involving communicable diseases, based on effective simulation exercises as a part of preparedness. This handbook is meant to serve as a guide on: 

• how to guarantee strategic-level support of decision-makers in order to set an exercise programme within the preparedness plans of the organisation; and 
• how to set all necessary steps in conceptualising, designing, planning, coordinating, conducting and evaluating simulation exercises. 

This handbook can best be used by experts within the field of general preparedness that are responsible for putting in place the exercise planning process. With the entry into force of the EU Decision 1082/2013 on serious cross-border threats to health, the handbook comes as a timely instrument to support Member States in the assessment of their capacities and the strengthening of their response planning in areas covered by the new legislation, such as the interoperability of plans or intersectoral collaboration.