Evaluation of contact tracing activities during the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, 2015

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to present the findings of an audit tool aimed at assessing contact tracing activities during an Ebola outbreak. Methods: The tool was based on Ebola guidelines and observations in the field. It was composed of 38 indicators covering contact tracing preparatives, resources, procedures and results. Results: All contact tracing teams were assessed in Boké and Conakry prefectures (24 supervisors, 22 community workers, 442 contacts) between 1 July and 10 August 2015. Contact lists had less than a 40% accomplishment rate. 7% of the contacts were not seen by community workers or supervisors. 'No touch policy' was fully respected. Conclusion: Audit checklist helped to systematically identify critical issues related to contact tracing.