Transdisciplinary training to address challenges in genomic epidemiology of infectious diseases

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence and detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern highlighted the pivotal role of genomic epidemiology in public health decision and policy making. The pandemic also revealed a need for genomic epidemiologists to effectively engage with a broader audience, including policymakers and the public. To address this need, we introduced a new transdisciplinary training workshop, "From Trees to Public Health Policy," at the Virus Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology (VEME) 2022 workshop in Panama City, designed to foster an enhanced understanding of the current challenges translating the results of genomic epidemiology into public health decision-making. Transdisciplinarity provides a collaborative problem-solving approach that integrates multiple disciplines and stakeholders to address complex and difficult to define problems, often referred to as "wicked problems." We argue that training in transdisciplinary approaches within genomic epidemiology will more effectively prevent, prepare for, and mitigate future pandemic risks. Here, we introduce this new module and methodology, along with detailed output, reflections on its implementation and outcomes, as well as areas for improvement for future iterations of the workshop. Workshop participants (n = 19) were selected across multiple levels of the genomic surveillance-to-policy continuum and split into two groups to engage in a four-day transdisciplinary learning process using the Designing Feasible Futures Framework (DF3). Through iterative exercises, participants mapped the complexity of the genomic surveillance for public health system, identifying leverage points for intervention, multi-sectoral stakeholders involved, and exploring futures scenarios following the proposed interventions. The two working groups developed complementary approaches: one prioritizing data infrastructure in low-resource settings, and the other emphasizing community trust and engagement. Evaluation of the workshop included pre- and post-workshop questionnaires, group self-evaluations, and confidential feedback. Group evaluations revealed varying levels of happiness and frustration throughout the iterative activities, and pre-post assessments showed statistically significant improvements in participants' self-reported confidence in understanding wicked problems, systems thinking, and transdisciplinary collaboration. The proportion of participants endorsing shared decision-making across scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders increased from 50 to 82%. Overall, this pilot workshop showed the feasibility and value of transdisciplinary training for practitioners of genomic epidemiology.

Keywords: COVID-19; capacity building; genomic epidemiology; pandemic preparedness; systems thinking; transdisciplinary training.