The global pool of simulation exercise materials in health emergency preparedness and response: a scoping review with a health system perspective

McDarby, Geraldine; Reynolds, Lindy; Zibwowa, Zandile; Syed, Shams; Kelley, Ed; Saikat, Sohel

National and international preparedness for PHEs has long been discussed on a global scale, especially in health security forums that seek to address challenges and gaps in meeting core International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) capacities. One component of the revised IHR (2005) monitoring and evaluation framework includes Simulation Exercises (SimEx), which are defined by the WHO as 'forms of practice, training, monitoring or evaluation of capabilities involving the description or simulation of an emergency, to which a described or simulated response is made.' 9 SimEx have historically been an established tool in defence and allied security sectors, with recent adaptation to health security efforts in the context of disruptive emergencies, natural and man-made. They are now being used as a tool to assess compliance with national-for example, the UK Civil Contingencies Act 2004-and international legislative requirements, notably IHR 2005. 10 There is, however, a paucity of information on the application of these exercises to test the functionality of health systems alongside emergency preparedness, response and recovery.