The Foodborne Interview Workshop helps public health professionals build strong interviewing skills for foodborne illness investigations. This training can be delivered in person or virtually, and it gives participants clear, practical steps for gathering accurate exposure information during an outbreak.
The workshop teaches when interviews should occur, which type of interview to use, and how to prepare for a foodborne interview. It also walks participants through basic interview protocols, key techniques for communicating with ill individuals, and simple ways to share collected data. Throughout the training, participants practice their skills through guided activities that reflect real‑world investigation work.
Learning Objectives
- When to conduct an interview
- Types of interviews and when to use them
- How to prepare for an interview
- Standard interview protocols
- Best practices for effective interviewing
- How to communicate and share data
Formant & Time Commitment
- In-person: 1 full day (8 hours)
- Virtual: Two 4‑hour sessions
A facilitator guide is included for both delivery formats.
Prerequisites & Audience
The course is designed for local, regional, state, and territorial public health staff who work with foodborne illness surveillance or outbreak investigations. It is an introductory‑level training and does not require prerequisites. The workshop is ideal for teams who want to improve interview quality and collect better data during foodborne illness investigations.