The challenges of contact tracing

Successful contact tracing relies on obtaining accurate recall from those exposed to infection. Some of the problems hindering accurate recall include:

  • Recall memory is often incomplete (many daily interactions and activities are not easily recalled).
  • Recall may be inaccurate (recall is often imprecise or wrong).
  • Those interviewed may be sick or otherwise vulnerable.
  • Some may be reluctant to provide a report.


“One way to improve the effectiveness of contact tracing is to treat infected people like important witnesses to the spread of a virus and use an approach informed by research on memory and witness interviewing” 

APS Observer (2021). Strengthening contact tracing using witness interviewing techniques.

The science of contact tracing

Contact tracing is critical in the detection and management of COVID-19. Tracers must obtain detailed recall of all social contacts over a specified period, with the failure to detect any contacts meaning infection can spread. 

While the need for contact tracing has been clearly established, there has been no consensus on how to obtain the required information. 

In this short course you will learn the latest, evidence-based contact tracing interviewing techniques. 

From pre-interview preparation, through a series of proven memory-enhancing techniques, to post-interview evaluation, every step of the interview process is described in simple-to-understand language. 

Combined, these techniques form the innovative Contact Tracing Interview Protocol and set a new standard for contact tracing interviews. 

Course overview and outcomes

Part 1: Contact tracing

  • What is contact tracing? 
  • Does contact tracing work?
  • How does contact tracing work?
  • Definitions of contacts
  • Demand for contact tracers
  • The need for training
  • The benefits of training
  • Memory – a brief introduction

Part 2: Existing training courses

  • CDC
  • Johns Hopkins
  • Washington State Department of Health
  • Queensland Health

Part 3: The science of contact tracing interviews

  • Pre-interview planning
  • Interviewing techniques to enhance recall memory
  • Post-interview considerations

Part 4: Conclusions and recommendations

  • The Contact Tracing Interview Protocol
  • Research opportunities
  • Recommended readings

After taking this course on The Contact Tracing Interview Protocol, students will be able to successfully complete each part of the contact tracing interview, from pre-interview planning through to post-interview evaluation, so they can confidently and successfully trace contacts of the infected.

Who is this course for?

  • Contact tracers

    Those already working, or planning to work, as contact tracers.

  • Health professionals

    Those in public health, nursing and other allied professions.

  • Academics

    Learn how the science of investigative interviewing can be applied to contact tracing.

About Forensii

The Contact Tracing Interview Protocol was designed by Dr Stephen Moston and Dr Terry Engelberg. Both Stephen and Terry have been working on the science of memory enhancement and the development of innovative interviewing techniques for over 30 years. Their extensive body of work has been published in leading scientific journals and books. Many of the current ‘rules’ for interviewing in criminal and non-criminal investigations can be directly attributed to their work.

Stephen and Terry founded Forensii in July 2020 to provide training in investigative interviewing, an information gathering approach to interviewing  that they developed and pioneered.

The Contact Tracing Interview Protocol is their latest contribution to changing the way that interviews are conducted.

FAQ

  • How much does the course cost?

    The course is offered free of charge.

  • Why do I have to register?

    Through registration we can maintain accurate records of the number of people taking the course and their progress. We can also update you about any major changes or revisions to the course content. You can opt out of that if you want to, though we think think you'll probably want to keep up with the latest evidence.

  • Do I have to provide any other personal details?

    No. Apart from your email address, you do not have to provide any personal details.

  • Do you provide additional training?

    Yes. We can provide additional training, either online or face-to-face (Australia only in 2022). Email us to discuss your requirements ([email protected]).