0920-24GC Focus Group

Attachment D – Focus Group Script

Focus Group Script

Form Approved

OMB Approval No. 0920-1154

Expiration Date: 03/31/2026

Date: __________

Interview number:

Good afternoon. (Introductions) Thank you for joining us and helping us in getting feedback on our TEST tool , This is a TEST – a Tabletop Exercise Simulation Tool, edition [CRC/POD/ICS]. This tool is meant to help planners evaluate their current plans, resource capacity, potential resource needs, and planning gaps. It also aims to facilitate coordination, collaboration, and engagement between planning partners.

We will be asking questions that follow up on the previous survey you have taken and allow for more open feedback. There are no right or wrong answers. We are looking to evaluate the value of this tool and how better to implement it in the future if it is useful for jurisdictions. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Note to reviewers, below are sample questions which we will use as a foundation for interviews but will adjust as the conversation flows.

1. My role in an emergency response is,

1. Communications/ PIO (Public Information Officer)

2. Emergency management

3. Environmental protection

4. Fire/ Police/ Hazmat

5. Hospital

6. Public health

7. Radiation control

8. Volunteer organization

9. Other, please specify

2. During an emergency response what level does your role support

• Federal

• State

• Local

• Tribal

• Territorial

• Municipal

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: CDC/ATSDR Reports Clearance Officer; Paperwork Reduction Project (0920-0527); M.S. D-24; 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30333.

Question about jurisdictional role (Pick one based on TEST Edition used)

1. In your jurisdiction, who is the lead agency for radiation response?

2. What role does your agency play in PODS?

3. What role does your agency play in the Incident Command Structure during emergency responses?

4. What was your overall impression of the game?

5. How do you feel TEST facilitated:

1. Collaboration

2. Engagement

3. Coordination

4. Critical thinking

5. Cost benefit analysis

6. Identification of gaps

6. What other aspects would you like to have integrated into TEST?

7. What do you believe is the best way to facilitate TEST?

8. In what ways do you think TEST complements other preparedness exercises?

9. How do you think TEST fits into your PHEP exercise requirements?

10. What other information would you like to share with us?

This is the last question we had. Is there anything more you would like to add, or do you have any questions for us?

Thank you very much for helping us assess TEST.