Often there is little linkage between public health surveillance systems and primary care practices. Current public health surveillance systems do not provide rapid identification of viral epidemics to providers. A typical system uses school absenteeism, sentinel practices, and laboratory data. This is less effective because the epidemic detection takes place weeks after the actual occurrence.
During the 2000-2001 influenza season, we teamed with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH), Bureau of Epidemiology and Laboratory Services, to test a new influenza surveillance system. The approach uses Statistical Process Control (SPC), a simple technique for detecting non-random variation in routine events such as clinic visits. We tracked increases in daily patient visits at urgent care, outpatient clinics, and emergency rooms, to signal the onset of a respiratory epidemic. Once a signal is detected through SPC, a sample of clinic patients with respiratory infection symptoms is cultured. Cultures are sent to UDOH, Infectious Disease Laboratory where they are tested for influenza or other respiratory pathogens. Patient loads, laboratory results, and UDOH influenza surveillance are used to characterize the status of influenza in Utah. Results from individual cultures are returned to the submitting clinician.
Early intervention reduces the health impact of infectious agents and exposures. With increasing availability of electronic means for gathering surveillance data from urgent care, outpatient clinics, and emergency rooms, improved detection of disease outbreaks and epidemics is possible. Developing stronger links between public health and clinical medicine provides a synergy to improve health, both at the population and individual level.
Learning Objectives: Understanding the importance of disease surveillance. Implementing a surveillance program allows for early detection and response followed by proper treatment and education. Statistical Process Control (SPC) is an under-utilized surveillance method for disease occurrences. Recognize the benefits of SPC as being timely, accurate, cost-effective, and low maintenance.
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.