Applying an after-action review process to examine a complex public health response in New South Wales (NSW), Australia: lessons for reflective practice (30 April 2025)

Summary

After action reviews (AARs) are used to systematically examine the functions, capabilities and barriers impacting effective pandemic responses. This paper describes the methods used for and the lessons learnt from undertaking the first formal state-wide AAR of the public health response to COVID-19 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Content

Lessons learn

The AAR process successfully engaged multi-disciplinary pandemic response staff in a systematic reflection process. The process was perceived by most participants as a highly valuable opportunity to reflect and it led to important findings to improve public health emergency responses. It is important that the scope of the AAR is well understood by participants and that the psychological needs of the workforce are considered in the AAR process. There is merit in applying such reviews as standard practice in future public health emergencies.