scholarly journals Postcode based participatory disease surveillance systems – a comparison with traditional risk-based surveillance and its application in the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramesh Masthi ◽  
Afraz Jahan ◽  
Divya Bharathi ◽  
Pradam Abhilash ◽  
Vinayak Kaniyarakkal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Web Based ◽  
South Indian ◽  
Indian City ◽  
Real Time Information ◽  
Effective Layer

BACKGROUND The SARS-Cov-2 infection has rapidly saturated health systems and traditional surveillance networks are finding hard to keep pace with its spread. We designed a participatory disease surveillance (PDS) system, to capture symptoms of Influenza-like illness (ILI) to estimate SARS-CoV-2 infection in the community. OBJECTIVE While data generated by these platforms can help public health organisations find community hotspots and effectively direct control measures, it has never been compared to traditional systems. METHODS A completely anonymised web based PDS system, www.trackcovid-19.org was developed. We evaluated the symptomatic responses received form the PDS system to the traditional risk based surveillance carried out by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike over a period of 45 days in the South Indian city of Bengaluru RESULTS The PDS system recorded 11062 entries from 106 Postal codes. A healthy response was obtained from 10863 users while 199 (1.8%) reported symptomatic. Subgroup analysis of a 14 day symptomatic window recorded 33 (0.29%) responses. Risk based surveillance was carried out covering a population of 605,284 with 209 (0.03%) individuals identified symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS Web PDS platforms provide better visualisation of community infection when compared to traditional risk based surveillance systems. They are extremely useful by providing real time information in the extended battle against this pandemic. When integrated into national disease surveillance systems, they can provide long term community surveillance adding an important cost-effective layer to already available data sources.

Web Based Nondestructive Evaluation Using Acoustic Emission

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel J. Ternowchek ◽  
Ronnie K. Miller ◽  
Phillip T. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Nondestructive Evaluation ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Continuous Basis ◽  
The Right ◽  
Real Time Information ◽  
Time Information ◽  
Fixed Period

As operating equipment and structures age, the probability of failure increases. Increasing inspection cycles (over some fixed period of time) with conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is one way to address this problem but it comes at a cost. In addition, an uncertainty exists that the right area(s) have been inspected during one of these inspection cycles. As a result, there is a need for a technique and method that provides the user with real time information about structural integrity or operating conditions. This technique and method must be cost effective and minimize the need for a person to be near the structure operating equipment in order to obtain data on a continuous basis.

scholarly journals Converting the existing disease surveillance from a paper-based to an electronic-based system using District Health Information System (DHIS-2) for real-time information: The Lebanese experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
dalal Ali youssef
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Medical Centers ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Reported Data ◽  
Real Time Information ◽  
Time Information ◽  
Roll Out

Abstract Introduction:The Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon is in the process of converting the surveillance reporting from a cumbersome paper-based system to a web-based electronic platform (DHIS-2) to have real-time information for early detection of alerts and outbreaks and for initiating a prompt response.Objectives:This paper aimed to document the Lebanese experience in implementing DHIS-2 for the disease surveillance system. It also targets to assess the improvement of reporting rates and timeliness of the reported data and to disclose the encountered challenges and opportunities. MethodologyThis is a retrospective description of processes involved in the implementation of the DHIS-2 tool in Lebanon. Initially, it was piloted for the school-based surveillance in 2014; then its use was extended in May 2017 to cover other specific surveillance systems. This included all surveillance programs collecting aggregate data from hospitals, medical centers, dispensaries, or laboratories at the first stage. As part of the national roll-out process, the online application was developed. The customized aggregated-based datasets, organization units, user accounts, specific and generic dashboards were generated. More than 80 training sessions were conducted throughout the country targeting 1290 end-users including health officers at the national and provincial levels, focal persons working in all public and private hospitals, laboratories, and medical centers as well. Completeness and timeliness of reported data were compared before and after the implementation of DHIS-2. Challenges and lessons learned during the roll-out process are listed.ResultsFor laboratory-based surveillance, completeness of reporting increased from 70.8% in May to 89.6% in October. Timeliness has improved from 25% to 74%. For medical centers, an improvement of 8.1% for completeness and 9.4% in timeliness was recorded before and after training sessions. For zero reporting, completeness remains the same (88%) and timeliness has improved from 74% to 87%. The main challenges faced during the implementation of DHIS-2 were mainly infrastructural and system-related in addition to poor internet connectivity and limited workforce and frequent changes to DHIS-2 versions.ConclusionImplementation of DHIS-2 improved timeliness and completeness for aggregated data reporting. Continued on-site support, monitoring, and system enhancement are needed to improve the performance of DHIS-2.

scholarly journals Avian Flu, Ebola, MERS, and Other Emerging Challenges for Influenza Surveillance Practitioners

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Siniscalchi ◽  
Brooke Evans
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Public Health Practitioners

Public health agencies strive to develop and maintain cost-effective disease surveillance systems to better understand the burden of disease within their jurisdiction. The emergence of novel avian influenza and other respiratory viruses such as MERS-CoV along with other emerging diseases including Ebola virus disease offer new challenges to public health practitioners. The authors conducted a series of surveys of influenza surveillance coordinators to identify and define these challenges. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining sufficient infrastructure and the trained personnel needed to operate these surveillance systems for optimal disease detection and public health preparedness and response readiness.

scholarly journals Ebola, Enterovirus, MERS, Novel Flu, and other Challenges for Public Health Surveillance Practitioners

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Siniscalchi ◽  
Brooke Evans
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Influenza Surveillance ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Public Health Agencies ◽  
Public Health Practitioners

Public health agencies strive to develop and maintain cost-effective disease surveillance systems to better understand the burden of disease within their jurisdiction. The emergence of novel influenza and other respiratory viruses such as MERS-CoV along with other emerging diseases including Ebola virus disease offer new challenges to public health practitioners. The authors conducted a series of surveys of influenza surveillance coordinators to identify and define these challenges. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining sufficient infrastructure and the trained personnel needed to operate these surveillance systems for optimal disease detection and public health preparedness and response readiness.

scholarly journals Molecular identification of T. brucei s.l. in tsetse flies after long-term permanence in field traps

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (09) ◽  
pp. 735-738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Gomes ◽  
Celia Leão ◽  
Filipa Ferreira ◽  
Maria Odete Afonso ◽  
Catarina Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Extraction ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Tsetse Flies ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Extensive Degradation ◽  
Field Traps

Background: Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) are responsible for the transmission of trypanosomes, agents of animal and Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT). These diseases are associated with considerable animal and human economical loss, morbidity and mortality. The correct identification of trypanosomes species infecting tsetse flies is crucial for adequate control measures. Identification presently requires technically difficult, cumbersome, and expensive on-site fly dissection. To obviate this difficulty we explored the possibility of correctly identifying trypanosomes in tsetse collected, under field conditions, only for number determination. Methodology: Tsetse flies, that remained exposed for weeks in field traps in the Vista Alegre HAT focus in Angola, were obtained. The flies were not dissected on site and were stored at room temperature for months. DNA extraction using the whole tsetse bodies and PCR analysis were performed in 73 randomly chosen flies. Results: Despite the extensive degradation of the tsetse, DNA extraction was conducted successfully in 62 out of the 73 flies. PCR analysis detected the presence of Trypanosoma brucei s.l DNA in 3.2 % of the tsetse. Conclusions: This approach could be cost-effective and suitable for vector-related HAT control activities in the context of countries where entomological trained personnel is missing and financial resources are limited.

Innovative technology advances public health disease surveillance in developing countries

Impact ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (8) ◽  
pp. 44-45
Author(s):  
Raita Tamaki
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Public Health Practice ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Innovative Technology

Disease outbreaks pose a real threat and can be particularly damaging and difficult to control in developing countries where health resources are limited. Key to this is public health surveillance, which is succinctly defined by the WHO as 'an ongoing, systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of health-related data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice'. This practice is key to informing disease prevention and control measures. Dr Raita Tamaki is a disease surveillance advisor of JICA and his expertise is brought up by 16-year experiences in developing countries, including Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Kenya. In the Philippines, he was responsible for setting up and managing the hospital and community based surveillance system for comprehensive epidemiological and etiological studies to generate reliable data with technology and provide generalizable evidence for sustainable health system and practice under the Department of Virology, Tohoku University School of Medicine in Sendai, Japan. Currently operating as a disease surveillance advisor in Kenya, Tamaki is working for the Ministry of Health (MoH) as a JICA expert. 'Due to limited capacities and resources in developing countries, more efficient and cost-effective methods with innovative technologies for disease surveillance and outbreak control need to be developed and applied.' he highlights. Tamaki believes that every single figure in health statistics such as mortality has its own story. Imagination towards the stories and innovation in technology for surveillance are two pillars that uphold his enthusiasm for improving public health in developing countries.

scholarly journals Epidemic Alert System: A Web-based Grassroots Model

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 3809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Etinosa Noma Osaghae ◽  
Kennedy Okokpujie ◽  
Charles Ndujiuba ◽  
Olatunji Okesola ◽  
Imhade P. Okokpujie
Keyword(s):  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Threshold Value ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Alert System ◽  
Web Based ◽  
News Sources ◽  
System A ◽  
Online Queries

Most web-based disease surveillance systems that give epidemic alerts are based on very large and unstructured data from various news sources, social media and online queries that are parsed by complex algorithms. This has the tendency to generate results that are so diverse and non-specific. When considered along with the fact that there are no existing standards for mining and analyzing data from the internet, the results or decisions reached based on internet sources have been classified as low-quality. This paper proposes a web-based grassroots epidemic alert system that is based on data collected specifically from primary health centers, hospitals and registered laboratories. It takes a more traditional approach to indicator-based disease surveillance as a step towards standardizing web-based disease surveillance. It makes use of a threshold value that is based on the third quartile (75th percentile) to determine the need to trigger the alarm for the onset of an epidemic. It also includes, for deeper analysis, demographic information.

scholarly journals Optimising passive surveillance of a neglected tropical disease in the era of elimination: A modelling study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Longbottom ◽  
Charles Wamboga ◽  
Paul R. Bessell ◽  
Steve J. Torr ◽  
Michelle C. Stanton
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Emerging Diseases ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Passive Surveillance ◽  
Resistance Surface ◽  
Western Uganda ◽  
North Western

AbstractBackgroundSurveillance is an essential component of global programs to eliminate infectious diseases and avert epidemics of (re-)emerging diseases. As the numbers of cases decline, costs of treatment and control diminish but those for surveillance remain high even after the ‘last’ case. Reducing surveillance may risk missing persistent or (re-)emerging foci of disease. Here, we use a simulation-based approach to determine the minimal number of passive surveillance sites required to ensure maximum coverage of a population at-risk (PAR) of an infectious disease.Methodology and Principal FindingsFor this study, we use Gambian human African trypanosomiasis (g-HAT) in north-western Uganda, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) which has been reduced to historically low levels (<1000 cases/year globally), as an example. To quantify travel time to diagnostic facilities, a proxy for surveillance coverage, we produced a high spatial-resolution resistance surface and performed cost-distance analyses. We simulated travel time for the PAR with different numbers (1-170) and locations (170,000 total placement combinations) of diagnostic facilities, quantifying the percentage of the PAR within 1h and 5h travel of the facilities, as per in-country targets. Our simulations indicate that a 70% reduction (51/170) in diagnostic centres still exceeded minimal targets of coverage even for remote populations, with >95% of a total PAR of ~3million individuals living ≤1h from a diagnostic centre, and we demonstrate an approach to best place these facilities, informing a minimal impact scale back.ConclusionsOur results highlight that surveillance of g-HAT in north-western Uganda can be scaled back without reducing coverage of the PAR. The methodology described can contribute to cost-effective and equable strategies for the surveillance of NTDs and other infectious diseases approaching elimination or (re-)emergence.Author SummaryDisease surveillance systems are an essential component of public health practice and are often considered the first line in averting epidemics for (re-)emerging diseases. Regular evaluation of surveillance systems ensures that they remain operating at maximum efficiency; systems that survey diseases of low incidence, such as those within elimination settings, should be simplified to reduce the reporting burden. A lack of guidance on how to optimise disease surveillance in an elimination setting may result in added expense, and/or the underreporting of disease. Here, we propose a framework methodology to determine systematically the optimal number and placement of surveillance sites for the surveillance of infectious diseases approaching elimination. By utilising estimates of geographic accessibility, through the construction of a resistance surface and a simulation approach, we identify that the number of operational diagnostic facilities for Gambian human African trypanosomiasis in north-western Uganda can be reduced by 70% without affecting existing coverage, and identify the minimum number of facilities required to meet coverage targets. Our analysis can be used to inform the number and positioning of surveillance sites for diseases within an elimination setting. Passive surveillance becomes increasingly important as cases decline and active surveillance becomes less cost-effective; methods to evaluate how best to engage this passive surveillance capacity given facility capacity and geographic distribution are pertinent for several NTDs where diagnosis is complex. Not only is this a complicated research area for diseases approaching elimination, a well-designed surveillance system is essential for the detection of emerging diseases, with this work being topical in a climate where emerging pathogens are becoming more commonplace.

Establishing communicable disease surveillance systems

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2021-001803
Author(s):  
Thomas Falconer Hall ◽  
D A Ross
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Disease Surveillance ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Recent Experience ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Military Health ◽  
Humanitarian Emergencies ◽  
Disaster Relief Operations

Humanitarian emergencies can result in an increase of communicable diseases, leading to a rise in mortality and/or morbidity in vulnerable populations. This requires a public health approach to re-establish control of communicable disease. Communicable disease surveillance systems play a key role, providing the information required for disease control measures, through systematic data collection, analysis, interpretation and dissemination. In humanitarian emergencies, they use the principles, practices and processes of wider surveillance systems, while being more focused on urgent priorities. However, communicable disease surveillance systems in humanitarian emergencies are constrained by multiple environmental, epidemiological and sociopolitical factors. Basic data collection, the bedrock of surveillance systems, can be extremely challenging and may require additional methods to estimate population size and prioritise diseases. Surveillance systems may be operating in conditions of weak state capacity with little physical or institutional infrastructure to support their operation. However, there are examples of successful self-sustaining disease surveillance systems in these circumstances, such as the deployment of WHO’s Early Warning Alert and Response System in a Box. Individuals and organisations charged with establishing communicable disease surveillance systems in emergencies would be well advised to learn from recent examples of success, use the sources of planning guidance outlined in this article and seek advice from organisations with recent experience. This is a paper commissioned as a part of the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations special issue of BMJ Military Health.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document