# Continuity of Operations in Newborn Screening: Lessons Learned from Three Incidents

## TL;DR

This paper discusses lessons from three incidents affecting newborn screening programs in the US to improve contingency planning for future disruptions.

## Contribution

The paper provides actionable lessons and insights from real incidents to enhance continuity of operations in newborn screening programs.

## Key findings

- After-action reviews identified crucial elements for managing incidents in newborn screening programs.
- Strengths and weaknesses were documented to guide future improvements in contingency planning.
- The lessons learned can help other programs prepare for and respond to operational disruptions.

## Abstract

Three incidents that impacted two US newborn screening (NBS) programs highlight the importance of contingency planning for the continuity of operations (COOP). Other NBS programs may benefit from the experience of these state programs for their own contingency planning efforts. Through after-action reviews conducted post-incident, crucial elements for the successful management of an incident were identified. We detailed the strengths, weaknesses, improvements needed, and future actions that will assist in preparing for other incidents as lessons learned.