Table 2.

Early research ideas not pursued by the working group

Research question and possible study design	Group comments on relevant challenges, issues of concern upon implementation
Modelling to test UK Health system capacity, focus on demand surges	The people most affected are those already most vulnerable; learning how to reduce the general ill health burden among such groups could be more useful.
Modelling to test UK Health system capacity, focus on combined inputs (surges and conditions)	As previous; specific scenario development needs to involve multiple partners; extensive literature search required to identify knowledge gaps. Local Resilience Partnerships (groups of organisations tasked with promoting recovery after a severe event) could be consulted, but their network development is regionally inconsistent.
Modelling optimally early detection when events are beginning to cascade towards a severe incident	Describes existing role of syndromic surveillance systems; had undesirable potential to overlap too much with remit of colleagues' (other Health Protection Research Unit) groups.
Modelling of input of resurgence of existing contagion or new infectious disease	Would need to incorporate efficacy of existing syndromic surveillance systems (not well understood, requires own research).
Modelling of burden of unnecessary presentations to health care professionals after public health scares	Inappropriate presentation is often difficult to define. Also inappropriate presentation is a difficult problem to modify, for instance when official advice is to seek medical advice, given to patients with symptoms matching a genuine public health concern.
Historical review of past very large events to identify range of input stressors	Would be useful to one of the above models; long term consideration for further research.